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Electric Car Maintenance Costs in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

EV Finance & Costs
15 min read Last updated 16th Jul 2025
Electric Car Maintenance Costs in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

Summary

In this guide, we’ll explore the maintenance needs of electric cars, how these differ from conventional vehicles, and how you can minimise the cost of maintaining an electric car for a more affordable driving experience.

There are a variety of benefits you can enjoy by making the switch to an EV, not least of all the reduced running costs compared to driving an ICE petrol or diesel model.

As you may already know, the simplified drivetrains of EVs mean they’re generally more affordable to repair and maintain compared to traditional ICE models. However, it’s still important to stay informed on the maintenance needs of your EV and what these are likely to cost you when you’re aiming to keep your vehicle in the best condition possible.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an Electric Car?

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Average Maintenance Costs for EVs in the UK

For most drivers, the long-term cost of maintaining an electric car will be much lower than the cost of maintaining a petrol or diesel vehicle.

This is because an EV’s drive train has fewer moving parts that are subject to wear and damage, with the repairs for these parts being less labour-intensive and complex than ICE vehicles. Barring major procedures like a full battery replacement, which can be expensive, the routine maintenance costs of an EV will usually end up lower than what you’re used to with an ICE vehicle.

Annual Savings Compared to Petrol and Diesel Cars

While keeping an EV in good working order isn’t cheap, you can still expect to save on maintenance compared to ICE cars.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of EV vs petrol maintenance costs based on the average cost for these services in the UK.

Maintenance Item Electric Vehicle (EV) Petrol/Diesel Car
Oil Changes Not required £50 - £150 per service
Engine/Transmission Fluids Not required £50 - £200 per service
Filters (Air, Fuel, Oil) £20 - £80 per filter (less filters required) £20 - £80 per filter
Brake Wear £100 - £300 per brake pad replacement (needed less often thanks to regenerative braking) £100 - £300 per brake pad replacement
Tyre Wear £600 - £800 £600 - £800
Total Maintenance Costs £720 - £1,180 £820 - £1,530
Maintenance Item Oil Changes
Electric Vehicle (EV) Not required
Petrol/Diesel Car £50 - £150 per service
Maintenance Item Engine/Transmission Fluids
Electric Vehicle (EV) Not required
Petrol/Diesel Car £50 - £200 per service
Maintenance Item Filters (Air, Fuel, Oil)
Electric Vehicle (EV) £20 - £80 per filter (less filters required)
Petrol/Diesel Car £20 - £80 per filter
Maintenance Item Brake Wear
Electric Vehicle (EV) £100 - £300 per brake pad replacement (needed less often thanks to regenerative braking)
Petrol/Diesel Car £100 - £300 per brake pad replacement
Maintenance Item Tyre Wear
Electric Vehicle (EV) £600 - £800
Petrol/Diesel Car £600 - £800
Maintenance Item Total Maintenance Costs
Electric Vehicle (EV) £720 - £1,180
Petrol/Diesel Car £820 - £1,530

Sources: KwikFit, Checkatrade, RAC, Halfords, information accurate as of March 2025

While this comparison shows that routine maintenance of an EV can save hundreds of pounds a year compared to maintaining an ICE vehicle, electric cars have additional traits that can reduce the overall need for maintenance and make driving even more affordable.

These aspects include:

Reduced Wear and Tear on EV Components

EVs have reduced maintenance needs caused by normal wear and tear compared to traditional ICE vehicles due to a more straightforward drivetrain design with fewer moving parts. 

Petrol and diesel models run on complex engines with belts, pistons, and valves that require regular maintenance. On the other hand, EVs are powered by electric motors with significantly fewer components, which helps reduce the risk of breakdowns and the need for regular servicing.

Fewer Fluids and No Oil Changes

Another key advantage when it comes to EV maintenance is that there’s less need for fluid changes and no need for oil changes at all.

With a traditional ICE vehicle, you’ll need to take care of routine maintenance like transmission fluid replacements, coolant top-ups, oil changes, and more. These fluids and lubricants are essential for keeping an internal combustion engine running smoothly and will require regular servicing to avoid breakdowns.

Because EVs run on an electric motor, they don’t require oil changes whatsoever and use simplified cooling systems with fewer lubricants, reducing your ongoing maintenance expenses.

Key Maintenance Areas for Electric Vehicles

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While electric cars are certainly more straightforward and more affordable to maintain, they’re still subject to wear and tear like petrol or diesel cars. Here’s a look at some of the key maintenance needs you’ll need to consider as an EV driver and what these will mean for your long-term running costs.

What Does an EV Service Include?

Like an ICE vehicle, EVs will require servicing at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals to keep it in an ideal driving condition. 

However, with a fundamentally different powertrain, your EV will have distinct maintenance requirements compared to a petrol or diesel car, which means your service will have a different format.

Some of the checks included in a typical EV service include:

  • Battery check, looking for damaged cells and other faults
  • Visual inspection of the car’s high-voltage cabling
  • Cooling pipework inspection
  • Brake check
  • Suspension inspection
  • Tyre wear inspection
  • Windscreen wiper and fluid inspection

When your EV reaches 3 years old, it will also need to undergo a yearly MOT like a traditional ICE vehicle. While the cost of an MOT will be roughly the same for an electric car as for an ICE vehicle, the fact that EVs have fewer components and no emissions to test means the process will take less time, and you will likely be able to drive away needing minimal repairs.

Electric Car Battery Maintenance Costs

How Long Do EV Batteries Last?

The battery of your EV is one of its most crucial parts, and keeping a close eye on its functionality will ensure you can maintain a positive driving experience for as long as possible.

Barring any technical issues from the manufacturer’s side, you can expect an EV battery to last at least 20 years or 200,000 miles - often exceeding the usable lifetime of the car itself.

While EV batteries will degrade naturally over time, this won’t significantly impact your car’s acceleration or cruising ability. It will, however, reduce your effective range from a single charge, rendering the functional lifespan of a typical EV battery to be fairly similar to that of a petrol or diesel engine.

Cost of Replacing an Electric Car Battery in the UK

Replacing an electric car battery is one of the most expensive kinds of EV maintenance due to the specialist design and tools needed. However, with a quality EV battery lasting more than 20 years or 200,000 miles, it’s exceptionally rare that you’ll need to replace your EV’s battery before investing in a new vehicle.

Tyre Maintenance for EVs

Are Tyres for Electric Cars More Expensive?

The cost of tyres for your EV can be impacted by many different factors, such as whether you opt for budget or premium tyres, whether the tyres are standard or seasonal, and other variables.

While there’s a wide spectrum of tyre prices, tyres for EV models can tend to be more expensive than tyres for comparable ICE models, as electric models are often heavier than similar petrol or diesel models. As an example, the MINI Cooper Electric, depending on the model, can weigh up to 150 kgs more than its petrol model counterpart simply due to the added weight of its battery.

EVs also deliver all their torque instantly when driving, compared to ICE vehicles that accelerate more gradually. These two differences can make manufacturing tyres designed for EVs more expensive, which will be reflected in the cost of replacing them.

Importance of Regular Tyre Checks for EVs

Regular tyre inspections for your EV will help you maximise your tyres’ traction and braking performance while checking for common signs of damage such as bulges, tracks, uneven wear, or poor tread depth.

By taking your EV for periodic tyre inspections and following the technicians' advice regarding any maintenance, you can minimise the risk of blowouts and skids and generally prolong the lifespan of your tyres to avoid having to replace them too often.

Brake Maintenance for Electric Vehicles

The Role of Regenerative Braking in Reducing Wear

The vast majority of electric cars use regenerative braking. This means the electric motor works in reverse to slow your car and the kinetic energy from the moving vehicle is converted into electricity, which is then used to charge the car’s battery as it slows.

This kind of braking still relies on brake discs and pads, but uses these components substantially less compared to petrol and diesel models. This means there’s less wear on your car’s braking system, and that you’ll be able to drive for longer without having to get your components repaired or replaced.

Software Updates and Diagnostics

EV Software Maintenance

Increasingly advanced EV software capabilities allow manufacturers to provide essential maintenance via free software updates over-the-air. Unlike traditional petrol or diesel models, the performance of an EV on the road is often just as dependent on its software as its physical, mechanical components. 

This means that simply installing a software update for your EV can have a similar effect on its performance as a professional engine tune, except that the car never has to leave your driveway, and it’s totally free!

Benefits of Over-the-Air Updates

Over-the-air (OTA) EV software updates allow you to upgrade your vehicle’s essential software, without having to visit a garage or dealership. This can be especially beneficial for EV owners who live in rural areas, where it may not be easy to reach a dealership or garage equipped to carry out EV maintenance.

Installing over-the-air updates can provide a range of benefits, including:

  • Performance enhancements, focusing on things like battery efficiency, the electric motor’s rate of acceleration, or range optimisation.
  • Bug fixes and security patches, helping to improve your experience behind the wheel and prevent interference from cyber criminals.
  • New feature installation, offering things like improved on-board navigation, driver assistance functions, or other infotainment features.
  • The general convenience of having these updates installed automatically while your car is connected to your home’s WiFi, reducing the need to schedule appointments or physically take your vehicle to a garage or dealership.

Comparing EV Maintenance to Petrol and Diesel Cars

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As we discussed earlier, the fundamental design of EVs means that they require less frequent, less intrusive, and more affordable maintenance when compared to petrol and diesel cars.

Here’s a look at some of the key differences and how they make EV maintenance more manageable.

Fewer Moving Parts in Electric Cars

The simpler drivetrain design of electric cars means there’s significantly less moving parts compared to ICE models, typically only consisting of its motor, bearings, and reduction gears. 

Due to the fact there’s less mechanical components interacting with each other, there’s less wear on the car’s components in the course of normal driving. This, in turn, means a lower likelihood of mechanical issues and a reduced need for repairs or part replacements.

Lower Fuel Costs and No Exhaust Repairs

Because there are fewer moving parts, EVs have the benefit of not having an exhaust system, which can be the source of many common maintenance issues faced by ICE cars.

Without a traditional exhaust system, EVs have no need to fix or replace components like pipes, mufflers, or catalytic converters, which means there are fewer overall maintenance expenses over the course of the vehicle’s lifetime.

This, combined with the fact that recharging an EV is much more affordable than refuelling an ICE car, is one of the key differences that makes EVs much more affordable to own.

Maintenance Frequency and Servicing Costs

While the maintenance needs of an EV will vary from one vehicle to the next, EVs, in general, need maintenance and servicing less frequently compared to ICE vehicles.

With longer-lasting components and the freedom to go for longer without a service while still meeting recommended intervals, maintaining an EV is more affordable and more convenient than an ICE vehicle's demands.

Servicing Requirements for Electric Cars

Though EVs have greatly reduced maintenance needs compared to ICE vehicles, you’ll still need to take your electric car in for periodical servicing to keep it running as intended and reduce the risk of mechanical failures.

Here’s a look at what you should expect from an EV service, their service intervals, and the accessibility of EV servicing at typical garages and dealerships.

What Happens During an EV Service?

EV services are carried out in much the same way as services for an ICE model, with the key difference that there are less components and functions for the technicians to review.

Some of the checks you can expect your EV to undergo during a service include:

  • A battery check looking at the battery’s capacity, performance, and charge cycles.
  • A cooling system check which will examine the system’s fluid levels and efficiency.
  • A brake check looking at the discs and pads, testing to see how well the brakes will function on the road.
  • Steering and suspension checks to see how your car handles on the road.
  • A review of the electrical system, checking for loose connections or damage to the wiring.

Can Local Garages Service Electric Cars?

With the number of EVs on Britain’s roads growing, an increasing number of small, independent garages are adapting to the electric-first future. 

Having said that, EV servicing still requires specialised knowledge and expensive tools which some local garages may not have access to.

To ensure your car gets the best care possible, we recommend taking it to an authorised dealership, with technicians who are familiar with EV models like yours.

At Dick Lovett, we offer state-of-the-art facilities for comprehensive servicing by trained and approved technicians. We also provide genuine parts and accessories for BMW, MINI, Porsche, Jaguar and Land Rovers at affordable prices because we understand that servicing your vehicle is an additional cost but is important in maintaining your car's performance. 

Long-Term Maintenance Savings of Electric Vehicles

Reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

While the upfront cost of an EV will generally be higher than a comparable ICE vehicle, the unique maintenance needs of EVs means you’ll have a lower total cost of ownership in the long run.

EVs have longer service intervals, and have no need for oil changes, exhaust system repairs, or the kind of complex engine repairs required by ICE cars. Features like regenerative braking also help to reduce wear on the braking system and extend its overall lifespan.

These reduced maintenance needs mean you’ll be less likely to run into maintenance issues compared to driving an ICE car, and spend less on mechanic’s fees.

Predictable Maintenance Costs

While EVs can be susceptible to unexpected issues that need urgent maintenance, they do offer a more predictable maintenance schedule. With fewer mechanical components to service and long-lasting battery warranties (typically eight years), EV owners can budget more effectively for routine maintenance. Many brands also offer fixed-price servicing plans, which helps to keep costs manageable throughout the vehicle’s life.

By reducing maintenance expenses and offering a more predictable ownership experience, EVs provide long-term financial savings that can make it easier to manage the cost of driving.

Electric Vehicle Breakdowns

While EVs’ simplified drivetrains make them generally more reliable than their petrol or diesel counterparts, breakdowns can still happen. The good news is that a lot of EV issues are avoidable with regular maintenance and good driving habits. 

Here’s a look at some of the most common causes of EV breakdowns and how to handle them.

Battery depletion: Running out of charge is a leading cause of EV breakdowns, especially for drivers who push their range too far without planning ahead.

Charging issues: Faulty cables, charging port problems, or an issue with the public charging network can leave drivers stranded without charge.

Tyre-related problems: EVs are heavier than ICE vehicles, which can lead to faster tyre wear. Punctures and blowouts remain a common breakdown cause.

Software glitches: Modern EVs rely on complex software, and occasional glitches or updates can cause temporary issues.

Brake system faults: While regenerative braking reduces wear, problems with the braking system or sensors can still occur.

How to React to an EV Breakdown

If your EV breaks down, it’s crucial to stay safe on the road and get your EV the professional attention it needs. Here are the steps to follow if your EV breaks down while driving.

  1. Move to a safe location: If possible, steer your vehicle to the side of the road, away from traffic. On motorways, aim for the hard shoulder or a designated emergency refuge area.
  2. Turn on hazard lights: Make sure other road users can see you by switching on your hazard warning lights immediately.
  3. Exit safely: If it’s safe to do so, exit the vehicle from the side away from traffic, wait behind a barrier, and avoid standing in the road.
  4. Contact breakdown assistance: Many UK breakdown services, such as the AA, RAC, and Green Flag, offer specialist EV recovery, including mobile charging for out-of-charge vehicles.
  5. Be aware of recovery limitations: Some breakdown services use flatbed trucks rather than traditional tow trucks to prevent damage to EV motors and batteries.
  6. Plan ahead to avoid future breakdowns: Regularly check your charge levels, tyre condition, and software updates to minimise the risk of unexpected issues.

Electric Car Maintenance Costs FAQs

While electric car maintenance may be easier to manage than with traditional petrol and diesel cars, it can still pay dividends to be familiar with your electric car’s mechanical needs and the best way to approach them.

For a little extra support, here are some frequently asked questions to reference as you learn more about maintaining your electric car and keeping your driving costs under control.

New/Used Electric Vehicles for Sale at Dick Lovett

There’s no better time to make the switch to an all-electric or hybrid car.

At Dick Lovett, we're committed to offering our customers a wide range of new and used electric vehicles from up to 6 brands. Each brand offers electrified or hybrid driving models, from BMW, MINI, and Porsche to Land Rover, Jaguar and Ferrari. 

Whichever model you're looking for, we have an abundance of body styles to choose from, so you can get your hands on your dream electric car.

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