Are Electric Vehicles More Reliable and Require Less Maintenance Than Gas Engine Vehicles Over the Long Term?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are often hailed for their reliability and lower maintenance requirements compared to gas engine vehicles (ICEs). As a vehicle owner with both types of cars, the experience of owning both makes it clear which option requires less maintenance over the long run.
Reduced Need for Maintenance in Electric Vehicles
EVs have significantly fewer moving parts, resulting in reduced maintenance requirements. Unlike ICEs, EVs do not have internal combustion engines, which means they do not need the routine servicing associated with such an engine. This includes no fuel systems, no oil changes, and no exhaust systems. Below, we'll explore the specific maintenance reductions in EVs and compare them to ICEs.
Components and Their Maintenance in ICEs
ICE vehicles typically require regular maintenance such as:
Fuel System: Fuel pumps, injectors, filters, and fuel lines need frequent checks and maintenance. Exhaust System: Components like the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and air intake require periodic inspection and servicing. Ignition System: Ignition coils, spark plugs, and distributors are prone to failure and require regular replacement. Complex Transmission: Automatic transmissions often require frequent flushes and fluid changes.Logical Expectations Regarding ICE Maintenance
Given that ICE vehicles have been around for much longer, it is often expected that something will break or maintenance will be required, such as changing the oil or replacement of spark plugs every few thousand miles. This makes routine maintenance a familiar and expected part of owning an ICE vehicle.
Comparison with Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) have very different maintenance needs. Here's a breakdown of the differences:
More Fewer Moving Parts: EVs have fewer moving parts, which means fewer components are susceptible to wear and tear. This reduces the frequency and cost of maintenance. No Internal Combustion Engine: No need for engine oil, fuel systems, or exhaust systems. This simplifies the vehicle greatly and reduces maintenance needs. Service Items: EVs generally require less frequent service items such as cabin air filters and tire rotations.Data-Backed Maintenance Comparison
To illustrate the difference, let's look at a comparison of maintenance costs for a variety of vehicles over the course of the year 2024:
2021 Tesla Model Y
Cabin air filters – $100 Wheel repair – $100 Supercharger charges – $511 (9 times at $7000 miles) Total maintenance costs: $7112015 BMW 335i xDrive
Charge pipe replacement – $900 Oil change – $120 Radiator flush – $300 Manual transmission flush – $400 Premium gas – $415 (1993 miles) Total maintenance costs: $21352020 Ram 1500
Oil changes – $508 Radiator flush – $412 Rear differential service – $135 Regular gas – $2223 (12000 miles) Total maintenance costs: $32782020 Hyundai Sonata
Oil changes – $500 Cabin and air filter replacement – $250 Regular gas – $1501 Total maintenance costs: $2251Even though electric vehicles require fewer maintenance visits, it's worth noting that the total cost can vary based on the specific requirement and frequency of service. In the case of the 2021 Tesla Model Y, the relatively low maintenance costs ($711) still outshine the Hyundai Sonata with minimal maintenance ($2251) and the above-mentioned ICE vehicles.
Conclusion
Based on personal experience and the data provided above, it's clear that electric vehicles offer a significantly more reliable and cost-effective maintenance experience. The basic maintenance required for an EV is minimal, and it includes only specified parts that are less prone to wear and tear. Therefore, for those looking to reduce the hassle and financial burden of vehicle maintenance, electric vehicles may be the better long-term choice.