So, you’ve got an EV. Great! But now that you’re now driving engine-free, don’t think that you can skip vehicle servicing. EVs still need to be serviced regularly, just like internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

We chatted with Gary at the AA’s Mt Roskill Auto Centre to find out what an EV service involves.

Keeping cool

Arguably the most important part of an EV is the high voltage battery, and the biggest threat to your battery is excessive heat. Too much heat reduces both battery range and life, Gary says.

Some EVs have air cooling systems which include a fan that sucks in air to help keep the battery at its optimum operating temperature. There’s usually also an air filter that removes dust and dirt and protects the fan and battery from contaminates – dirty batteries don’t cool as effectively. However, most people are not even aware that their EV might have a battery cooling fan and filter, so they don’t think to have these checked.

Alternatively, many modern EVs use liquid cooling systems to manage the battery temperature. This coolant also needs to be checked and replaced at regular service intervals so that it performs as it is designed to.

As with some EVs, most modern hybrid vehicles also have cooling fan filters. Gary says that 80% of the filters they see on hybrid vehicles are filthy, which is a common cause for battery failure.

Image credit: Mark Smith

 Full stop

Your EV also needs to have its brake fluid checked. Brake fluid absorbs moisture which, without regular checks, can lead to corrosion within the braking system. The good news is, brake friction material on an EV requires less maintenance than ICE cars as EVs mostly use regenerative braking. This is when electric motors work to slow the vehicle when you release the accelerator pedal and these motors, in turn, generate electricity supply for the battery.

However, regenerative brakes are only used on wheels that are attached to an electromotor, Gary explains. Depending on the model of your EV, this motor can either be attached to just the front or rear wheels or to all four wheels. Brakes still need to be inspected regularly as they will eventually need replacement, too.

 Steering the course

Steering and suspension systems are the same on EVs as they are on petrol or diesel cars. During an EV service, your steering and suspension will be checked thoroughly to make sure everything is in good working order to keep you safe on the road.

 The good oil

While EVs don’t have gears to change, there is still a gear mechanism that connects the electric motor to the wheels. This reduction drive mechanism uses oil which needs to be checked and sometimes replaced. And just like with any ICE vehicle, these gear drives can also develop leaks and will need repair and fluid top up. Left unchecked, it could result in a more costly repair.

The correct grade oil is also very important in an EV reduction drive. The electric motor puts a lot of pressure on the gears due to its high torque – much more than an average ICE vehicle ­– which is why EVs can accelerate very quickly. But this extra acceleration capacity needs to be maintained with good oil.

 Clean air

The air conditioning cabin filters in your EV are no different to any other vehicle, Gary says. A dirty cabin filter will reduce the air quality and flow, plus strain the interior fan, reducing the life of the fan motor. Another great reason to regularly have your aircon cabin filters changed is to avoid breathing in fungus. If your filter is not working well then fungus can build up inside the system which can significantly affect the air quality in your vehicle, and potentially your health.

Time for an AA EV Service?

The AA EV Service is a comprehensive 32-point check to maximise the lifespan and value of your electric vehicle.