Every year, more people buy electric cars. Purchases of electric vehicles are rising, and technology is advancing. There are potential issues, just like with any new technology.
We will discuss the most frequent repairs for electric vehicles in this article. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential problems if you own an electric car to address them immediately!
Overview Of Electric Vehicle Breakdowns
Most electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers provide roadside assistance for their cars, and you can also add it to your leasing package. Some recovery services offer breakdown cover designed explicitly for EVs, and some companies like the RAC have equipped their vans with mobile recharging points to help stranded EVs.
It’s not advised to try towing it yourself or to ask a friend if your EV runs out of charge and you need assistance because it can be dangerous. Instead, rely on professional help from breakdown services like the AA, RAC, or Green Flag, even if you’re not a member.
Before the assistance arrives, check your EV handbook for any towing restrictions that may cause damage to your car’s systems. Some EVs can be towed with drive wheels off the ground, while others require a flatbed truck. If you’re unsure, insist on a flatbed to avoid potential damage to your car.
Common Electric Car Problems
Although the expenses may be reduced, electric automobiles need maintenance and repairs like gas-powered vehicles do. Common electric vehicle repair issues include battery, brake, and coolant issues.
- Battery issues can arise with the conventional 12-volt battery that powers the dashboard and electrical components or the lithium-ion battery that powers the engine. A gas-powered car can jump-start an electric car if its 12-volt battery dies, but not the other way around. If the warranty has run out, the lithium-ion battery may need to be replaced out-of-pocket at a high expense because it can degrade with time, especially in the circumstances like overheating.
- Electric cars’ brake issues differ from conventional cars as they use regenerative braking to conserve energy. This can extend the life of brake pads, but they still need occasional servicing. Brake fluid may need to be checked and changed based on its condition, and brake pads and discs may still need replacement when worn down.
- Coolant issues can affect the overall health of an electric car’s battery, as extreme temperatures and prolonged use of air conditioning can impact it. Each electric car model may have a recommended maintenance schedule for coolant replacement, so it’s essential to check the owner’s manual or consult a mechanic. Changing the coolant yourself may void the warranty, so caution is advised.
How To Do Electrical Car Repair
Because they are more environmentally friendly than conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles, electric vehicles are growing in popularity. However, they can be very expensive to maintain and repair because they need special knowledge and equipment. In this post, we’ll provide some advice on keeping your electric car’s functionality without shelling out a lot of cash.
If you run or work for an auto body shop, you could already be skilled at fixing vehicle electrical systems.
But many auto body shops still refuse to do electric car repairs. If you start offering high-quality electric car repairs as soon as possible, you will have a benefit over your competitors. Repairing electric cars and hybrids requires two types of training for technicians.
They need hands-on training on safely removing hazardous electrical components from vehicles. Technicians need to understand how the electrical components in a car work. Gloves are a crucial safety tool when working with electric cars.
Always wear protective clothing when working near or on leaking electrolyte chemicals within an electric vehicle. It could explode if a faulty volt-ohm meter is used on a damaged hybrid or electric vehicle. Never place high-voltage components on any metal workbench. The best reaction is to cover workbench floors with plastic or thick rubber mats.
Using the wrong type of oil can contaminate the system and cause it to shut down. Electric car batteries should never be exposed to direct sunlight when stored at temperatures above 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Torque requirements must be met when dealing with high-voltage connections. Loose cables can start fires and damage the car.
Electric cars are often said to require little to no maintenance. Major appointments, minor appointments, and routine appointments are usually made at the same time. There are fewer defects and failures and fewer parts to worry about.
Battery replacement
When the battery in an electric car stops working, it needs to be replaced. This is a common repair, but electric car batteries typically last long before needing replacement. Finding a reliable battery replacement service is essential to ensure the job is done correctly.
Charging system repair
The charging system in an electric car, which includes the battery, alternator, and voltage regulator, can sometimes require repairs. If these components fail, it can affect how well the car charges. Finding a qualified mechanic to handle this type of repair is essential.
Motor repair
The motor powers the electric car, so the car won’t move if it malfunctions. Motor repairs can be costly, but they are necessary to keep the electric car running smoothly.
Transmission repair
The transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels; if it fails, the car won’t move. Transmission repairs can be expensive, but they are necessary to ensure the electric car operates properly.
Brake repair
The brakes are crucial for stopping the car, so if they need repairs, it’s essential to address them promptly to avoid any accidents. Brake repairs are common in electric cars and should not be ignored.
How Expensive And Difficult Is It To Fix An Electric Car?
Electric vehicles were expected to dominate the automobile industry due to their environmental benefits and rising gas prices. While insurance costs for electric cars are decreasing, the overall cost of purchasing and insuring an electric car is still higher by around ten thousand dollars than a traditional vehicle.
It remains to be seen if falling prices will make electric cars truly accessible and practical for the majority of drivers, although they are becoming more economical. Also, more reasonably priced used electric vehicles might be available in the future, but cost and convenience should still be considered.
Conclusion
Even though many drivers express reliability worries with their electric cars, EV problem rates are now lower than non-EV problem rates for the first time. Batteries, climate control, and in-car electronics are a few of the main issues with electric vehicles. Electric vehicle subscriptions allow you to try an EV before you buy so you can assess its dependability firsthand.
