How to Take Care of Your EV

August 19, 2024

Taking care of an electric car (EV) isn’t exactly the same as a gasoline-powered car. In some ways, electric vehicles (EVs) can be easier to care for because they have fewer fluids, do not need new spark plugs, or oil or gas filter changes. They also do not have multi-speed transmissions or exhaust systems.

EVs, though, do require specific care.

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Here are 5 top tips to look after your electric vehicle

1. Take care of your EV’s battery

The battery is the most important and most expensive component of an EV. Taking care of it is essential to prolong your EV’s life.

• Keep the battery charged between 20% and 80%. Charging it to full too often or letting it get too empty will degrade it quicker. Most electric cars allow you to set when the battery starts charging and how full it gets.
• When you protect them from extreme weather, EV batteries can last up to 15 or 20 years. Avoid parking in the hot sun and park your EV in a garage in the winter. Cold temperatures decrease your battery’s range.
• Only fast-charge the battery when necessary to avoid early degradation.

2. Buy a home charger

Charging your EV at home is generally the most convenient and cost-effective option. Plug-in hybrids can be charged with a standard 120 volt electrical outlet in your home, but an hour only adds about 6 km or range. Fully electric cars can be charged with a 240 volt charger and will gain about 30-40 km in range per hour of charging. Get in the habit of charging your EV overnight like you do with your cell phone.

It’s important to note that Canadian EV drivers now have access to 27,181 public charging ports located at 11,077 public charging station locations across the country, as of March 2024.

3. Maintain your brakes yearly

Regenerative braking systems send energy back to the battery by using motor resistance to slow the car. EVs also have traditional brakes that work in conjunction with the regenerative brakes and these last longer than on gasoline powered vehicles. But rust can build up quickly on regenerative brakes in EVs, and you should have both types looked at annually.

4. Maintain your tires

Buy tires made for EVs because instant torque can be hard on tires. This depends on your driving style, but tires designed for EVs are quieter and more durable. Rotate the tires regularly to reduce wear and keep the tread depth even across all tires.

Also, make sure the air pressure is correct and have them inspected to make sure they are aligned and balanced properly. Proper maintenance can reduce the frequency of tire replacements.

5. Refill fluids

Check your owner’s manual for instructions for maintaining your EV’s fluids. Your EV or hybrid may still have an engine and could require cooling system inspections and oil changes. It probably has a gearbox or gear reduction “transmission” that contains lubricant. Electric motors and high voltage power electronics are normally cooled by a separate cooling system. The battery pack is also cooled, possibly by a coolant circulating system. Also, keep an eye on the windshield wiper and brake fluids.

How do EVs affect car insurance?

Some insurers offer discounts to EV drivers. Your Western car insurance expert will answer any questions you may have about insuring your electric car. Western has car insurance experts across the country. Fill out the online form in one minute or contact us on the phone or in branch to get help with your car insurance journey.