Electric vs pterol Car Service Costs Compared to Petrol and Diesel

As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) grows, many potential buyers are curious about the cost of maintaining an electric car versus traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. This article explores the service cost differences, explains why EVs often have lower maintenance expenses, and provides a tabulated comparison for easy understanding.

 

Cost Comparison: Electric vs. Petrol/Diesel Cars

~2-3% per year wear in battery charging capacity leads to frequent chargings. battery cost equal to engine cost most cases.

Service Component	Electric Cars	Petrol Cars	Diesel Cars
Engine Oil Changes	Not Required	₹1,500-₹3,000 per service	₹2,000-₹4,000 per service
Brake Pad Replacement	Rare (~₹1,000-₹2,000)	Frequent (~₹2,000-₹5,000)	Frequent (~₹2,000-₹6,000)
Battery Maintenance	₹1,000-₹3,000 per year	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
Air Filter Replacement	Not Required	₹300-₹500	₹500-₹800
Tire Maintenance	₹1,000-₹2,000 per year	₹1,000-₹2,000 per year	₹1,000-₹2,000 per year
Average Annual Maintenance	₹5,000-₹7,000	₹10,000-₹15,000	₹12,000-₹20,000

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Why Electric Cars Have Lower Service Costs

Electric cars are mechanically simpler than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, resulting in lower service and maintenance costs. Here’s why:

1. Fewer Moving Parts: EVs lack components like timing belts, clutches, and exhaust systems.
2. No Engine Oil Changes: Unlike petrol and diesel vehicles, EVs don’t require oil changes.
3. Regenerative Braking: EVs use regenerative braking, reducing wear on brake pads and discs.
4. Minimal Cooling System Maintenance: EV cooling systems are simpler and require less frequent servicing.
5. Software Updates: EVs often get over-the-air updates, reducing the need for mechanical inspections.

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EV Car Battery Vs Car engine Life

Aspect	EV Car Battery	Car Engine (ICE)
Lifespan	8-10 years or ~150,000-200,000 km	10-15 years or ~200,000-300,000 km
Key Component	Lithium-ion battery pack	Internal combustion engine
Maintenance Needs	Minimal; software updates and cooling system	High; regular oil changes, filters, and spark plugs
Replacement Cost	₹3-7 lakh (post-warranty)	₹1.5-3 lakh (for major repairs)
Performance Degradation	Gradual loss of capacity (~2-3% per year)	Dependent on wear; performance varies
Environmental Impact	Lower emissions; recycling challenges	High emissions; dependent on fuel type
Durability in Extreme Temps	Sensitive to extreme heat and cold	Performs well but needs extra maintenance in extreme conditions
Warranty Coverage	8-10 years (industry standard)	Typically 3-5 years for engine parts

Key Components of Service Costs

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

• Battery Health Checks: Ensuring the battery is performing optimally.
• Coolant Maintenance: For battery temperature management.
• Tire Rotations: Same as in petrol/diesel cars.
• Brake Inspections: Reduced wear due to regenerative braking.

Petrol and Diesel Cars

• Engine Oil Changes: Required every 5,000-10,000 km.
• Air and Fuel Filters: Regular replacement needed.
• Spark Plugs: For petrol engines, spark plugs need periodic replacement.
• Exhaust System: Inspections for leaks or damage.

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Long-Term Cost Savings with Electric Cars

1. Lower Fuel Costs

EVs cost significantly less to “refuel” (charge) compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. The average cost of electricity for charging is ₹1-₹2 per km, compared to ₹6-₹10 per km for petrol or diesel.

2. Reduced Wear and Tear

With fewer moving parts, EVs experience less mechanical wear, reducing repair costs.

3. Battery Warranty

Most EV manufacturers offer battery warranties of 8-10 years, covering a significant portion of potential battery replacement costs.

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Environmental and Performance Benefits

Feature	Electric Cars	Petrol/Diesel Cars
Emission Levels	Zero Tailpipe Emissions	High Tailpipe Emissions
Performance Maintenance	Minimal	Requires frequent tuning
Noise Levels	Silent operation	Noticeable engine noise

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Challenges with EV Maintenance

While EVs have lower overall maintenance costs, there are a few challenges to consider:

• Battery Replacement Costs: If needed after warranty, batteries can be expensive (₹3-7 lakh).
• Limited Service Centers: EV servicing requires specialized skills, and not all areas have sufficient facilities.
• Dependency on Software: EVs rely heavily on software, which may require frequent updates and monitoring.

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Conclusion

Electric cars offer a clear advantage in terms of service costs compared to petrol and diesel vehicles. With fewer moving parts, minimal wear and tear, and no oil changes, EVs are more economical to maintain in the long run.

Aspect	Electric Cars	Petrol Cars	Diesel Cars
Annual Maintenance Cost	₹5,000-₹7,000	₹10,000-₹15,000	₹12,000-₹20,000
Emission Levels	Zero	High	High
Fuel/Charging Cost per km	₹1-₹2	₹6-₹10	₹6-₹10

Switching to electric vehicles is not just a step toward sustainability but also a practical choice for reducing long-term service expenses. If you’re considering an EV, the cost savings and environmental benefits make it a compelling option.