Changing the engine oil, maintaining the manual transmission or replacing the spark plug: all these things are superfluous in electric cars. Less maintenance also means lower costs. But what ongoing maintenance costs do you have to expect when buying an electric car? And how do they differ from those of a classic combustion engine? In our overview you can find out everything you need to know about maintaining an e-car.
At first glance, electric cars seem more expensive than combustion engines due to the higher purchase value. But are e-cars really more expensive than gasoline or diesel cars in the long term? Since battery-powered vehicles have parts that are less susceptible to wear, expensive maintenance work is also less frequent. Nevertheless, some components should be checked regularly. In this article, you can find out exactly what these are and what you have to calculate for the maintenance costs of an electric car.
Running costs for electric cars and combustion engines: which is cheaper?
The maintenance of an electric car is typically much cheaper than that of a combustion engine, as the engine in particular has only a few wearable parts. Maintenance of the manual transmission, clutch or exhaust is thus completely eliminated. Likewise, services such as changing the engine oil or replacing the spark plug are superfluous. The brake pads also need to be changed less frequently, as their wear is lower due to the recuperation technology.
The term recuperation means recovery of energy. In the case of an electric car, part of the energy generated during braking is converted into electricity with the help of a generator and then fed to the battery. The electric car thus uses kinetic energy, in the form of electricity, to recharge its own battery.
Service must also be provided for the e-car
Of course, an electric car also has to be serviced. At regular intervals, the steering, brakes, windshield washer system and air filter of the air conditioning system, among other things, are checked. In addition, the battery and tires of the electric car require special care. The electronics on board are also checked to avoid system failures.
The service intervals of an electric car differ depending on the manufacturer. Find out about these intervals before buying so that the warranty of your electric car is not lost.
Regular tire checks are part of it
In particular, the condition of the tires of the e-car must be regularly examined. Since the electric car achieves a higher torque than a combustion engine when starting off, there is greater wear and tear on the tire tread. In order to be safe on the roads, the tires should be replaced regularly.
The correct handling of the battery reduces the maintenance costs of the electric car
The heart of the car, the battery, does not require any maintenance in principle. However, since this is the most expensive spare part in the event of a defect, you should take special care of it. Proper charging can significantly extend the service life of the e-car battery. We recommend: Do not leave lithium-ion batteries below 20% for a long time and preferably charge your electric car with alternating current.
Annoying but important: the motor vehicle tax
Whether you like it or not, if you have a car, you have to pay the motor vehicle tax. But owners of an electric car enjoy discounts in many cantons. However, the differences between the cantons can be huge. In some cantons, you can get up to 50 percent tax reduction for environmentally friendly e-cars – and pay significantly higher percentages for high-emission combustion engines.
We have summarised everything you need to know about motor vehicle tax and the benefits for alternative drive systems in various cantons for you here.
Traffic taxes in Switzerland
Click on your canton of residence and find out all the details on how to calculate the traffic tax for your car.
Better safe than sorry: How much does it cost to insure electric cars?
The number of electric vehicles in Switzerland is slowly but steadily increasing. Insurance companies reward e-car drivers with attractive eco-discounts and low insurance premiums. According to a study by Comparis, insurance premiums for electric vehicles are even up to 56 percent cheaper than for combustion engines.
When choosing your insurance, you should be aware that different providers offer different levels of eco-discounts. However, a high eco-discount does not necessarily go hand in hand with a low premium. Therefore, check all offers individually and compare which insurance suits you best. Also make sure that the e-car battery is sufficiently covered. Ideally, self-inflicted operating damage should be insured and coverage of the charging station can also be useful.
Are you still looking for the best insurance for your electric car? On FinanceScout24 you can compare the best offers easily and quickly.
This is the state of the depreciation of e-cars
The question of depreciation is on the minds of many potential buyers as well as owners of electric cars. However, the fear that car batteries will have to be replaced quickly is unjustified. E-car batteries can still be charged up to 86 percent even after eight to ten years. Data specialist René Mitteregger believes that the residual value of electric cars behaves even better than that of a comparable gasoline or diesel engine.
However, if the e-car gets older, it depreciates more quickly. The reason for this is the rapid change in technology. Older electric vehicles are struggling to keep up with the ever-improving performance of new e-cars. However, with regard to the resale value of electric cars, it is assumed that current models will hold their value compared to gasoline cars.
Electric car or combustion engine? The maintenance costs help with the decision
The high initial costs of an electric car have a deterrent effect on many potential buyers. But if you look at the total cost of an electric car, it is quickly back in the race. This is because the maintenance costs for an electric car are often lower than for a comparable combustion engine.
However, deciding whether an electric car is the right choice for you is not easy and depends on your individual needs. We therefore recommend that you think carefully about the costs you will face in the long term and whether you want to make this investment before buying.
source : Electric car maintenance costs at a glance | AutoScout24