EV Maintenance — 10 Common Questions

Once a year or every 10,000-15,000 km — whichever comes first. EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol cars (no engine oil, no gearbox, no exhaust), so service is much simpler.

Minor service: ₹3,000-7,000. Major service (every 40,000 km): ₹8,000-15,000. About 40-50% cheaper than petrol cars over 5 years of ownership.

Battery health check, software update, brake fluid top-up (and change every 2 years), coolant check, tire rotation, cabin filter, HVAC check. No engine oil, no spark plugs, no timing belt.

Yes — the battery and motor are liquid-cooled in most EVs. Coolant needs topping up (rare) or replacing (every 4-5 years). Cheaper than engine coolant since volumes are smaller.

Opposite — EV brakes last 2-3x longer due to regenerative braking. Most braking is done by the motor, not brake pads. Expect brake pads to last 80,000+ km vs 30,000-40,000 km in petrol cars.

Yes — every 10,000 km. EVs are heavier and produce instant torque, which can cause faster tire wear, especially front tires (in front-wheel drive) or rear tires (in rear-wheel drive). Rotation evens out wear.

Essentially zero — it's software-controlled and integrated with the motor. Software updates may improve regen over time. No mechanical service needed.

For warranty coverage, stick to authorized service centers. After warranty, any qualified EV-trained mechanic can handle routine maintenance. High-voltage work (battery, inverter) requires certified technicians.

Warranty may be void if you skip scheduled services. Battery health reports are typically required to maintain the battery warranty. Keep all service records.

Most modern EVs support OTA (over-the-air) updates — the car notifies you when updates are available, and you accept them via the touchscreen. Some older EVs require a dealer visit for updates.