Electric vehicles have lower maintenance costs compared to gasoline-powered cars.

The rising interest in electrified vehicles, encompassing both fully electric and hybrid models, has led many potential buyers to consider the financial implications of ownership. One noteworthy aspect is the maintenance costs associated with these vehicles, which, as studies indicate, are typically lower than those for traditional gasoline-powered cars.

A comprehensive analysis conducted by Consumer Reports in 2021 revealed that electric vehicle (EV) owners could anticipate maintenance and repair savings approximating 50% over the life of their vehicles. The U.S. Department of Energy further substantiates this, illustrating that the average scheduled maintenance cost for EVs stands at around [or_text model=”openai/gpt-4o-mini” prompt=”Rewrite this article in the professional, objective style of top newspapers like NY Times, expanding to at least 350 words. Ensure it’s SEO-friendly, plagiarism-free, and replace the source with “Media News Source” and dont mention author name. Do not include quotation marks or any code in the output.:

If you’re weighing the cost of an electrified vehicle—either fully electric or hybrid—here’s an interesting fact to consider: they typically cost less to maintain than gas-powered cars.

According to a 2021 Consumer Reports analysis, electric vehicle owners can expect to save around 50% on maintenance and repair over the life of the vehicle. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that scheduled maintenance costs for EVs average $0.06 per mile, compared to $0.10 per mile for conventional gasoline vehicles.

The savings come down to simplicity. Fully electric vehicles don’t need oil changes, spark plugs, or timing belts. There’s no exhaust system to rust out, no fuel injectors to clog, and no transmission fluid to flush. Even brake jobs are less frequent because of regenerative braking, which uses the electric motor to slow the vehicle and recharge the battery—reducing wear on the brake pads.

Hybrids, which combine an electric motor with a gasoline engine, fall somewhere in the middle. They still need oil changes and emissions-related service, but not as often as traditional vehicles. The electric motor assists the engine, particularly in stop-and-go traffic, which reduces engine strain and extends the life of certain parts.

For instance, brake systems in hybrids benefit from regenerative braking, which captures energy during deceleration and feeds it back into the battery, reducing wear on traditional brake components and improving overall efficiency.

But lower maintenance costs don’t mean zero maintenance.

Tires on electric vehicles often wear out faster. That’s due to two things: the instant torque delivered by electric motors and the extra weight from battery packs. Drivers may find themselves replacing tires more frequently—sometimes as much as 20–30% sooner—especially if they have a heavier-footed driving style.

There’s also the issue of battery health. EV and hybrid batteries are engineered to last 8 to 15 years, depending on usage and climate, and most come with generous warranties. But if and when a battery needs replacing outside of warranty, the cost can be steep—often ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. That said, battery failures remain rare in modern EVs, and some manufacturers are moving toward modular battery packs, which could reduce replacement costs in the future.

Another shift: EVs rely heavily on software, which means some updates and fixes are handled digitally. Tesla, Ford, Rivian and other automakers now regularly push over-the-air software updates that can improve performance, patch glitches or even fix recalls—without a trip to the service bay. But when something does break, EV repairs may require specialized knowledge and tools, and not all independent mechanics are equipped to handle them yet.

According to a 2023 J.D. Power study, although EV owners are visiting the shop less often, their service satisfaction scores tend to be lower due to fewer available service centers, long wait times for parts and limited technician expertise — especially for newer models or brands.

For hybrids, most mechanics are now well-versed in their service needs and replacement parts are widely available. But EV-specific repairs—especially involving the high-voltage system—are still a niche skill set.

Bottom line, electrified vehicles tend to be cheaper to maintain overall, but the experience can vary widely depending on the make, model and local service infrastructure.

The news and editorial staffs of Southern California News Group and The San Diego Union-Tribune had no role in this post’s preparation.

“].06 per mile, contrasting sharply with the [or_text model=”openai/gpt-4o-mini” prompt=”Rewrite this article in the professional, objective style of top newspapers like NY Times, expanding to at least 350 words. Ensure it’s SEO-friendly, plagiarism-free, and replace the source with “Media News Source” and dont mention author name. Do not include quotation marks or any code in the output.:

If you’re weighing the cost of an electrified vehicle—either fully electric or hybrid—here’s an interesting fact to consider: they typically cost less to maintain than gas-powered cars.

According to a 2021 Consumer Reports analysis, electric vehicle owners can expect to save around 50% on maintenance and repair over the life of the vehicle. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that scheduled maintenance costs for EVs average $0.06 per mile, compared to $0.10 per mile for conventional gasoline vehicles.

The savings come down to simplicity. Fully electric vehicles don’t need oil changes, spark plugs, or timing belts. There’s no exhaust system to rust out, no fuel injectors to clog, and no transmission fluid to flush. Even brake jobs are less frequent because of regenerative braking, which uses the electric motor to slow the vehicle and recharge the battery—reducing wear on the brake pads.

Hybrids, which combine an electric motor with a gasoline engine, fall somewhere in the middle. They still need oil changes and emissions-related service, but not as often as traditional vehicles. The electric motor assists the engine, particularly in stop-and-go traffic, which reduces engine strain and extends the life of certain parts.

For instance, brake systems in hybrids benefit from regenerative braking, which captures energy during deceleration and feeds it back into the battery, reducing wear on traditional brake components and improving overall efficiency.

But lower maintenance costs don’t mean zero maintenance.

Tires on electric vehicles often wear out faster. That’s due to two things: the instant torque delivered by electric motors and the extra weight from battery packs. Drivers may find themselves replacing tires more frequently—sometimes as much as 20–30% sooner—especially if they have a heavier-footed driving style.

There’s also the issue of battery health. EV and hybrid batteries are engineered to last 8 to 15 years, depending on usage and climate, and most come with generous warranties. But if and when a battery needs replacing outside of warranty, the cost can be steep—often ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. That said, battery failures remain rare in modern EVs, and some manufacturers are moving toward modular battery packs, which could reduce replacement costs in the future.

Another shift: EVs rely heavily on software, which means some updates and fixes are handled digitally. Tesla, Ford, Rivian and other automakers now regularly push over-the-air software updates that can improve performance, patch glitches or even fix recalls—without a trip to the service bay. But when something does break, EV repairs may require specialized knowledge and tools, and not all independent mechanics are equipped to handle them yet.

According to a 2023 J.D. Power study, although EV owners are visiting the shop less often, their service satisfaction scores tend to be lower due to fewer available service centers, long wait times for parts and limited technician expertise — especially for newer models or brands.

For hybrids, most mechanics are now well-versed in their service needs and replacement parts are widely available. But EV-specific repairs—especially involving the high-voltage system—are still a niche skill set.

Bottom line, electrified vehicles tend to be cheaper to maintain overall, but the experience can vary widely depending on the make, model and local service infrastructure.

The news and editorial staffs of Southern California News Group and The San Diego Union-Tribune had no role in this post’s preparation.

“].10 per mile average for conventional gasoline vehicles.

The cost savings can be largely attributed to the simplicity of electric vehicles. With no oil changes, spark plugs, or timing belts required, EVs eliminate a range of traditional maintenance tasks. Additionally, the absence of components such as exhaust systems, which are prone to rust, further reduces the burden of upkeep. Hybrid vehicles, which integrate both electric and gasoline engines, present a middle ground. While they still necessitate oil changes and emissions-related services, these are required less frequently than with standard vehicles. The electric motor’s role in assisting the gasoline engine—particularly in urban driving conditions—also lessens engine strain and contributes to a longer lifespan for specific parts.

Nonetheless, it is important to note that reduced maintenance costs do not equate to negligible maintenance. For instance, the tires on electric vehicles may experience accelerated wear, a consequence of instant torque delivery and the added weight of battery packs. Drivers may find themselves replacing tires up to 30% sooner under certain driving habits.

Battery longevity is another crucial consideration. While EV and hybrid batteries are designed to last between 8 to 15 years, with most manufacturers offering substantial warranties, replacement costs can be significant—often falling between ,000 and ,000 when out of warranty. Despite this, such failures are infrequent in modern vehicles, and advancements in modular battery design are anticipated to ease future replacement expenses.

Another facet emerging within the EV landscape is the dependence on software. Leading manufacturers like Tesla and Ford have begun implementing over-the-air software updates, enabling performance enhancements and bug fixes without requiring a physical visit to a service center. However, repairs can necessitate specialized knowledge and tools, which may not be accessible at all independent mechanics.

According to a 2023 J.D. Power study, although EV owners face fewer visits to repair shops, their satisfaction scores indicate challenges, stemming from limited service centers, prolonged wait times for parts, and a shortage of qualified technicians, particularly for newer models.

For hybrid vehicles, maintenance tends to be more straightforward, as mechanics have become increasingly familiar with their requirements and parts availability is generally reliable. However, specialized skills remain critical for EV repairs, particularly concerning high-voltage systems.

In summary, while electrified vehicles generally offer a more economical maintenance experience, variations exist based on the specific model and local service capabilities. Prospective owners should weigh these factors carefully when considering their next vehicle purchase.

Media News Source