The idea that electric vehicles need absolutely no maintenance is a myth. They may need less maintenance than your average ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicle, but it’s still required. It’s easy to understand where that myth comes from, considering the upkeep is simpler and operations are typically less environmentally harmful.
With no engine, exhaust, or oil systems, a 2025 report focused on the African market found that maintaining an electric vehicle costs around US $0.061 per mile, compared to US $0.101 per mile for petrol vehicles. This is roughly 40% less overall. However, even something as simple as worn tyres or a cooling system fault can cause expensive downtime and shorten a vehicle’s life if you’re not careful.
Knowing exactly what maintenance EVs still need is key to keeping your fleet running smoothly and profitably. In this article, we’ll separate myth from fact while helping you better understand EV maintenance. Moreover, we’ll show you how Cartrack’s smart fleet management tools can keep your electric vehicles in top shape.
The verdict? Myth. The truth behind EV maintenance is that EVs require less maintenance than your petrol or diesel vehicles, but upkeep is still required. Regular servicing and treatment are the keys to keeping your electric vehicle running smoothly. If maintenance is neglected, you run the risk of damaged battery health and compromised vehicle safety.
To get a better idea, take a quick look at our Myth Meter:
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Skipping these checks might not seem like a big deal, but it can significantly shorten battery life, limit driving range, and put safety at risk. In a fleet, these potential issues can add up fast. One neglected EV can cause ripple effects, leading to downtime, higher repair bills, and unnecessary strain on operations.
The ‘no maintenance’ myth exists because the simplicity and convenience of electric vehicles lead to the creation of this narrative. ICE vehicles have so many moving parts and components that are interconnected, making them far more susceptible to wear and tear. However, fewer parts don’t mean fewer responsibilities, and EVs need their software and electrical systems kept in shape.
Get a quick breakdown, separating myth from fact, and look at this table:
Ensure the longevity of your electric vehicle by paying attention to the core areas of EV maintenance that shouldn’t be ignored. These include software and electronics, cooling systems, brakes, and tyres.
Let’s break down key maintenance categories:
The hidden costs and risks of neglecting EV maintenance include safety hazards and reduced battery lifespan. As you can imagine, these issues are greatly increased in the context of a fleet. Staying on top of maintenance of your EV vehicles will save you from headaches down the road, preventing you from expensive repair costs and major downtime.
Look at the potential risks:
As mentioned, the battery is the most crucial component of the EV. Because almost all the components are connected to it, it serves as the heart of the vehicle. Not maintaining its health can lead right to battery degradation. Battery degradation means ineffective charging, poor circulation, and old, outdated software.
According to a report by Simon-Kucher & Partners, EV battery packs account for 30–40% of a vehicle's total cost. Lack of maintenance can cost you more than the savings you’re supposed to get from EVs.
Although you might not need to concern yourself about safety issues like engine fires, EVs still do bring about new kinds of safety hazards to consider. Moreover, safety hazards aren’t just about keeping the vehicle in check; they’re also about meeting compliance standards.
Consider routine inspections to stay compliant, but also ensure your vehicles are in the best condition. Inspections can keep you abreast of wear and tear, damaged cooling systems, and defective electrical components.
Predictive maintenance is the best solution for preventing high long-term costs. Avoiding maintenance can only end up costing you more over time, proving counterproductive when you're trying to save or be profitable. The more time your EV spends off the road, the more likely you are to lose business income.
An EV’s downtime in a personal capacity is annoying and frustrating at most, but in a fleet? This is an exponential matter. An EV that isn’t serviced can mean the following:
Keeping up with smart EV fleet maintenance is about staying up to date and always doing the right thing. It’s essential to dedicate time and remain mindful of regular maintenance. Invest in your EV fleet; get the right fleet management platform to ensure optimal performance, prevent downtime, and keep track of maintenance.
The best practices for EV care include:
Fleet management software for EVs helps automate and monitor the following:
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Cartrack’s role in simplifying EV maintenance is ultimately about being the best fleet management provider for your electric vehicles. When you’ve got the right tools, it’s much easier to successfully keep control over your vehicles and their maintenance needs.
Cartrack is an enabler of proactive maintenance through the following:
Putting all this together means Cartrack gives businesses the tools to keep their electric fleets in top shape. The result? Greater uptime, longer EV lifespans, and lower overall maintenance costs. There’s also the satisfaction of running a sustainable operation that's driven by the numbers.
Electric vehicles have actually made fleet maintenance a whole lot simpler, and the fact remains they’re still needed. You wouldn’t have to do the same routine engine checks that you would with a petrol or diesel model, but EVs still need regular care to keep them running smoothly and safely without breaking the bank.
As a fleet manager, it’s important that you stay on top of maintenance. It isn’t really something you can put off. Regular inspections, keeping an eye on battery health, and proactive servicing that's guided by all the right data are what you need to keep your vehicles on the road and running at their best.
Manage your electric or hybrid fleet with total control. Chat with a Cartrack expert to discover how our fleet management tools keep your vehicles running efficiently, every kilometre of the way.
Q: What is the biggest problem with electric vehicles?
A: The biggest problem with electric vehicles is infrastructure and battery degradation. Over time, just about every EV's battery will naturally lose some of its capacity, which in turn can cut down on its range and efficiency. For fleets, not having enough charging points can make things even worse.
Q: What’s the most expensive part of maintaining an electric vehicle?
A: The most expensive part of maintaining an electric vehicle is the battery, as it’s costly when it comes to either maintaining it or replacing it. It can be as high as 40% of an EV's total value, so keeping an eye out for thermal control and regular diagnostic checks is key to making sure that investment lasts.
Q: What is the 80% rule for electric vehicles?
A: The 80% rule for electric vehicles suggests it’s far better for the health of the battery to charge to 80% than to charge to 100%. This method is the best way to keep your EV’s battery at a more stable temperature and extend its lifespan in general. It’s especially important for EV fleets that’ll charge numerous times in a day.
Q: Why does no one want to drive EVs anymore?
A: It’s not necessarily that no one wants to drive EVs anymore, but there are concerns around ease of access and infrastructure needs. The popularity of EVs continues to increase, but the availability of charging stations, the necessary battery technology, and maintenance tools aren’t widely available. Advances in technology are slowly addressing these issues, but there’s still a way to go.
Think electric vehicles don’t need maintenance? Think again. Learn the truth behind EV servicing and how Cartrack’s fleet management keeps you ahead.
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