The maintenance needs of EVs depend primarily on the vehicle architecture and how the vehicle is driven. Battery EVs (BEVs) can require less maintenance than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. But hybrids (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) typically need the same or more maintenance than ICE vehicles.
This FAQ begins with a comparative review of the maintenance needs of BEVs versus ICE vehicles, considers the importance of software updates for EVs, and closes by looking at where HEVs and PHEVs fit in.
The lack of an ICE means that BEVs have fewer moving parts and fluids. That greatly simplifies maintenance. BEVs don’t need oil changes, transmission service, or periodic replacement of air filters, belts, or spark plugs. If the battery pack in the BEV uses active liquid cooling, there will be a radiator and cooling system that may require maintenance.
Brakes and suspension
An EV’s brakes and suspension components are mixed bags. Using regenerative braking can reduce the wear on the mechanical brakes. However, the driver can adjust the regenerative brakes in most EVs, and their preference can significantly impact brake wear. In addition, BEVs tend to be heavier than ICE vehicles, resulting in more wear and tear on the brakes. In general, brakes on a BEV can be expected to last longer compared with those on an IEC vehicle. But they’re not maintenance-free.
The suspension systems in all types of EVs function the same way they do in ICE vehicles. Over time, the components in the suspension system in an EV will need to be replaced (Figure 1). Driver habits and road conditions can significantly impact the need for suspension system maintenance.

Figure 1. The suspension components and brakes in EVs require some level of maintenance depending on driving conditions and driving habits. (Image: JiffyLube)
Tires need special attention
BEVs are heavier than ICE vehicles and have tires with a higher weight rating. In addition, the electric motor in an EV delivers instant torque to the tires, which can cause the tire tread to wear out more quickly. As a result, the tires in a BEV need more attention. Even with proper maintenance, the tires on a BEV may need to be replaced twice as often as those on an ICE vehicle. Maintenance considerations for BEV tires include:
- Maintaining proper tire pressure is more important in BEVs.
- Proper wheel alignment has a more significant impact on BEVs.
- More frequent tire rotation needs to be done based on the owner’s manual.
Battery packs and other components
There’s no routine maintenance for EV battery packs, but they must be monitored to identify any bad cells or modules as early as possible. That’s not usually a problem since most EV battery packs are designed to last about eight years or 100,000 miles.
Miscellaneous components like windshield wiper blades and fluid, exterior lights, brake fluid, and the cabin air filter need regular service, just like in an IEC vehicle.
Software updates
EVs rely on sophisticated and complex software and firmware. Typically, the software and firmware can be updated using wireless connections to the cloud, called over-the-air (OTA) updates (Figure 2).
Software OTA updates (SOTAs) and firmware OTA updates (FOTAs) are essential and must be implemented as they are available. SOTAs are common to most EVs. That means that software can be updated without taking the vehicle to a service center.
However, HFOTAs are more rare. Currently, only a few EVs use FOTAs. Generally, the vehicle must be taken to a service center for firmware updates, but FOTAs are becoming more common. EV owners need to acquaint themselves with how firmware is updated in their vehicles.

Figure 2. SOTAs and FOTAs can be implemented with wireless connectivity to the cloud. (Image: electrek)
HEVs and PHEVs
PHEVs and HEVs have an internal combustion engine, requiring the same general maintenance as ICE vehicles. Mild HEVs that only use the traction motor for starting and use the IEC for driving will require maintenance like an ICE vehicle. Most differences between strong HEVs and PHEVs are related to driving patterns.
For example, a strong HEV or PHVE that relies mainly on the electric motor and that’s routinely driven only short distances using purely battery power will use the ICE less, and the ICE will need less maintenance. A strong HVE or PHEV routinely driven beyond the distance supported by the battery pack will use the ICE more heavily, and the ICE will require increased maintenance.
Summary
BEVs, HEVs, and PHEVs can have different maintenance requirements compared with IEC vehicles. For example, the tires in BEVs need extra attention, and the general maintenance needs of HEVs and PHVEs are like ICE vehicles. In general, the maintenance requirements of all types of vehicles are strongly influenced by driving habits and driving conditions.
References
- Electric Car Maintenance: Everything You Need to Know, Car and Driver
- Electric car maintenance, explained, Chase
- Electric Vehicle Maintenance: What’s Different?, Family Handyman
- Here’s All You Need To Know About EV Maintenance, Autoweek
- Over-the-air updates: How does each EV automaker compare?, electrek
- Preventive maintenance for electric vehicles: Why it’s important and how to do it, Energy5
- What Maintenance Does an Electric Car Need?, CRS Automotive
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