Electric cars: Inspection often cheaper than with combustion engines - but not always less often

Created: 08/10/2022 15:44

By: Sebastian Oppenheimer

The maintenance costs of electric cars are usually significantly lower than those of combustion engines.

But the inspection intervals differ greatly.

Electric cars are on the rise, the number of registrations continues to rise - while, for example, the plug-in hybrids, which were very popular not too long ago, are currently on the decline.

In addition to the desire to protect the environment, many e-car buyers naturally also think about their own wallet.

A lot can still be saved when buying with bonuses - and some dealers actually still offer free electricity.

And when it comes to maintenance and inspection, you usually have to budget significantly less money for an electric car than for a combustion engine.

The maintenance of electric cars is usually cheaper than that of combustion vehicles.

(Iconic image) © Marijan Murat/dpa

Electric cars: Inspection often cheaper than with combustion engines - but not always less often

In principle, the workshop costs for electric cars are significantly lower than for conventionally powered vehicles.

This is mainly explained by the maintenance-friendly technology of battery-powered cars.

For example, the oil change is no longer necessary, as is the replacement of clutches and exhaust systems.

The brakes on electric vehicles also wear out less quickly than on cars with petrol or diesel engines.

The Institute for the Automotive Industry (IFA) has calculated that around 35 percent can be saved on maintenance and repairs.

Electric cars: maintenance intervals vary greatly

In the overall balance, however, it is also important how often the car has to be presented.

Smart, Renault, Kia and Nissan, for example, order their electric cars, which incidentally also need an environmental badge, to be checked for the first time after just 12 months.

However, this is usually not too extensive and therefore not particularly expensive.

Other models such as the VW ID Stromer have to go to the workshop after two years, Tesla recommends the same interval.

Depending on the manufacturer, the work of the first inspection includes replacing the pollen filter, checking the brake fluid and visually inspecting the high-voltage components.

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Electric cars: The Aiways U5 only has to be checked after 100,000 kilometers or three years

Aiways is particularly generous.

The Chinese only order their U5 SUV model for inspection after 100,000 kilometers or three years.

But this is also quite extensive: the brake fluid and the coolant in the high-voltage battery, the oil level in the reduction gear of the drive train are checked, topped up or changed, and the battery in the telematics box is replaced.

The manufacturer does not provide any information on the costs for the work carried out by the service partner ATU.