All-electric vehicles typically need less maintenance than conventional ones, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center: the battery, motor and electronics need little or no regular maintenance, there are fewer fluids such as engine oil, brake wear is much reduced thanks to regenerative braking and there are far fewer moving parts. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids need about the same general maintenance as conventional cars.
What maintenance is different on an EV?
- Battery, motor and electronics: little to no regular maintenance. Some battery systems use liquid coolant to maintain safe temperatures and may require regular checks; ask your dealer or check the manual.
- Fluids: fewer, because there is no engine oil to change.
- Brakes: wear is significantly reduced because of regenerative braking; see regenerative vs friction braking.
- Battery cycles: the battery has a limited number of charge cycles, so check the warranty; see how long EV batteries last.
What still needs attention?
- Tires. Consumer Reports has said EVs can wear tires faster; see why EV tires wear out faster, EV tire pressure and tire rotation.
- The 12-volt battery. The sources we read do not cover it.
- Brake fluid, suspension, wipers and other items still wear in any car; see our car maintenance schedule, which Haynes designed for conventional cars.
How can you get the most from an EV?
fueleconomy.gov’s tips for hybrids and EVs:
- Read the owner’s manual. Designs vary, and the automaker knows how to maximise efficiency, range and battery life.
- Use economy mode if the car has one; it may limit acceleration.
- Avoid hard braking. Anticipate stops so regenerative braking can recover energy; hard braking uses the friction brakes, which do not recover it.
- Keep the battery charged (EVs and plug-in hybrids) to maximise range; check the manual for charging advice.
- Use accessories wisely. Heating, A/C and entertainment can lower range more on EVs; pre-heating or pre-cooling while plugged in can extend electric range.
Frequently asked questions
Do electric cars need less maintenance?
Yes, per the AFDC, although tires, brakes and suspension still need checking.
Do EV brakes last longer?
The AFDC says brake wear is significantly reduced because of regenerative braking.
Sources: U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center, “Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles”; fueleconomy.gov, “Tips for Hybrids, Plug-in Hybrids, and Electric Vehicles” (read 13 November 2026; no publication dates shown).
