Electric Car Reliability, Explained

Are you wondering to yourself, “Are electric cars reliable?” The answer is, generally speaking, “Yes!” Why is that? Well, from a powertrain perspective, electric cars are far more simplistic than their gasoline counterparts. “The Conversation” puts it this way: 

“Given the minimal moving parts, electric motors are also highly reliable and require little to no maintenance. Their simplicity also means that almost no energy is lost in friction between moving parts, making them far more efficient than internal combustion engines.”

There you have it! EVs are both more reliable and more efficient than their gasoline counterparts, as a rule. Curious to learn more about the relative reliability of electric cars? MINI of Sterling has the details below! Don’t be shy about reaching out for additional information or with questions; we’re here to help people just like you make the most of your DC Metro area driving experience!

Are Electric Vehicles Cheaper to Maintain Than Gas Cars? 

The Yale Climate Connection performed a study that determined that EVs are actually a whopping 40% less expensive to maintain than gas vehicles. Plus, when you choose to drive an EV around Loudoun County, you’ll no longer need to perform these routine maintenance tasks:

• Spark plugs
• Cooling system flushes 
• Engine air filters 
• Oil changes 
• Gasket replacements 
• Belt replacements
• And much, much more! 

If that weren’t enough, you’ll likely experience significantly-reduced intervals between brake pad and rotor replacement services in the greater DMV and Dulles Airport areas. That’s because EVs, like their hybrid and PHEV counterparts, utilize regenerative braking technology that reclaims energy lost when braking to recharge the EV battery.

What Maintenances Do Electric Vehicles Need? 

To be certain, EVs aren’t exempt from maintenance. Here are some common EV maintenance tasks to keep an eye out for over time:

• Don’t neglect your EV’s software updates — this will ensure that your EV is running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. 
• Be sure you care for your battery; its charge capacity will shrink overtime. The biggest culprit behind decreased battery range is regularly driving on a low battery, so topping off is helpful.
• EVs are heavier than gas vehicles because of their large battery packs. They also deliver near-instant torque. These things put together mean that your EV tires will likely wear down faster than comparable gas car tires. This also means you should keep on top of wheel alignments and tire rotations. 
• You may find yourself replacing coolant, brake fluid, and even windshield wiper fluid more often. 

Have More Questions About Electric Car Reliability? 

Looking to learn more about EV reliability or EV perks? MINI of Sterling can help! Visit our MINI Electric page or our MINI research page for more information.