Electric Vehicle Maintenance Tips That You Should Know

Top Electric Vehicle Maintenance Tips That You Should Know

Electric vehicles (EVs) are significantly more widespread now than they were a few years ago, EVs are now a regular sight on roads and parking lots in Canada. If you are thinking about buying an electric vehicle in Canada, you should know that there are various advantages of driving an EV, such as lower operating costs, energy efficiency, and several government subsidies that assist to decrease the cost. 

One of the obvious benefits of acquiring an electric vehicle is that it requires less maintenance than a car powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE). Powertrains for electric vehicles are substantially simpler than those for internal combustion engines. However, maintenance needs and safety regulations for electric vehicles and hybrids are identical to those of conventional cars, despite the fact that all-electric vehicles require less frequent maintenance. EV manufacturers are creating these vehicles and manuals with maintenance and safety in mind. 

In this post, we will discuss the top EV maintenance advice for Canadian EV owners, as well as how to get the best performance and lifespan out of your EV in Canada.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance Tip No.1: Take Good Care of Your Electric Vehicle Battery

Battery health and EV range should be the first and maybe major focus of your attention and maintenance, particularly in Canada, where harsh winters may cause greater battery degradation than in other areas with mild temperatures. Lowered charging and output levels may be caused by a battery bank’s intrinsic chemical reactivity, which can be influenced by severe cold conditions. Even if you charge your EV indoors or under cover, insulation is essential since the batteries might still grow cold when driving. Towing an electric car typically demands a flatbed tow since the engine will not disengage like it would in a gas-powered vehicle if you run out of electricity on the road.

If you want to buy a used electric vehicle in Canada, seek for one with a long battery life to save money on future repairs and to prevent the continual need for charging due to harsh winter conditions, which can damage the car’s performance to the point where it cannot do its duty. Electric vehicle batteries just like us, enjoy warm and mild climates. In extreme cold conditions below -25°C, an EV’s battery range might decline by up to 50%. You should keep this in mind everytime you go behind the wheel or look for a used EV in Canada.

Ideally, you should evaluate whether subterranean parking is available to you or whether you can make place in your garage for the chilly winter evenings. Speed charging, on the other hand, creates a lot of heat, which might harm your EV’s batteries. A reasonable rule of thumb for maintaining appropriate battery condition is to train and maintain the battery in temperatures ranging from 10 to 40 degrees Celsius.

Furthermore, there is a frequent fallacy that batteries must be completely depleted before being adequately recharged, although this is not the case with hybrid and electric vehicles. In fact, it is not recommended that you let it run out of power or charge it to maximum capacity. It’s fine to do it sometimes, but making it a habit may shorten the battery pack’s lifetime. Your EV’s battery will last longer if you connect it before it is fully drained and disconnect it before it is totally charged.

Because your EV’s battery affects how far you can go, the major focus while servicing an EV in Canada should always be on the battery and the car’s economy and performance. Follow the EV maintenance requirements specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer and evaluate how the weather affects your battery’s range and performance on a regular basis.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance Tip No.2: Charging Your EV at Home

For most electric car owners, charging at home is the most cost-effective and convenient alternative. Any EV may be charged using a standard 110-volt household outlet, but it takes a longer time. In most situations, charging with a  standard household outlet adds 5 to 8 KM of range every hour. If you start with a full battery and don’t travel far each day, this may be plenty. Chagring your EV with this “slow charging” method will also help to prolong the life of your battery. While the majority of EV owners opt to have a 240-volt Level 2 charger installed at their residence. This strategy adds between 20 and 90 KM of range every hour.

If you require even quicker charging or need to charge while on the road, public fast-charging stations are the way to go. The quickest public chargers available today can add up to 1,500 KM per hour, which is equivalent to 120KM in only five minutes. However, only some EV models are capable of fast charging. For most EV models, standard fast chargers can restore 320KM of range in an hour. Keep in mind that numerous factors influence these values, including temperature, battery size, charging station energy output, and the capabilities of your car’s onboard charger. Before charging, be sure you understand your electric vehicle’s capabilities and restrictions.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance Tip No.3: EV Motor and Drivetrain maintenance

Because BEVs lack combustion or conventional motors, drivetrain and wheel motors are critical to continuously maintain because they are simpler, but they demand more knowledge. 

An electric motor is a far simpler technology than an internal combustion engine, and it nearly never has to be replaced. Because most electric cars have only one multi-speed motor, there is no gearbox to switch between speeds. Some EVs feature up to four motors, but power is distributed electronically rather than through gear changes. This implies the absence of transmission fluid in the normal sense. In fact, EVs have a reduction gearbox between the engine and the wheels that requires maintenance and is referred to as “transmission fluid” by EV manufacturers. Because the gearbox is usually sealed, it should only be inspected and maintained by a trained mechanic. Keeping these two fundamental components in check will allow your EV to run and perform correctly even in Canada’s harsh winters.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance Tip No.3: Do Not Skip Regular Maintenance

At the end of the day, electric cars are still automobiles. They require the same maintenance and care as any other type of vehicle, and failing to maintain any of these features may result in poor performance. 

After moving from summer to winter tyres (and vice versa), as well as performing regular tyre rotations and maintenance, your EV will be less strained and safer to drive. Also, keep an eye on the fluid levels in your automobile, such as brake fluid, coolant, windshield fluid, transmission fluid, and so on. Finally, keep an eye out for any unexpected changes or difficulties when driving your electric car. For example, keep an eye on your dashboard indications and handle any red or amber dashboard lights as soon as they appear to avoid costly repairs and to ensure optimal performance while driving.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance Tip No.4: Make Sure The Software of Your EV is Up-to-date

Because electric vehicles rely more on electrons, maintaining your electronics is more important than in a gas-powered car. 

Updates to software and firmware can improve an EV’s performance and safety, as well as add new functions and increase electronic security. Some EV manufacturers, like other digital gadgets, provide over-the-air updates. Tesla, for example, provides software upgrades to Tesla customers over the air. While some other EV manufacturers may require a trip to the dealership for various modifications. Make sure your EV has the most recent software upgrades will help it last longer and operate better overall.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance Tip No.5: Winter-specific EV maintenance

Driving an EV in Canada throughout the winter necessitates certain climate-specific maintenance. As batteries and EVs typically require extra conditioning measures to enable for appropriate usage and quality over a lengthy period of time. Power and battery output might be significant barriers to operating EVs in cold conditions. 

Furthermore, it is critical to pay attention to a few key aspects. For example, your windshield washer fluid may require an additional winter-appropriate mix. You may avoid consuming power by utilising the defroster and keeping a good ice scraper on hand to assist wipe that icy windshield. Electric vehicles may be a safe and cost-effective form of transportation even in the cold. Before driving your EV in the winter, be sure you understand their cold-weather requirements. Inquire about essential maintenance and tactics to perform during colder weather when acquiring a car from a dealership. Also, be sure you thoroughly read the owner’s handbook and pay attention to the important maintenances that are necessary for the performance and safety of your EV.

In short, your EV maintenance should focus on the most vital parts, such as the battery, drivetrain, and any other key maintenance features that would be performed on an ICE car. Don’t forget to pay special attention to the battery and perform essential maintenance on your EV during extreme cold weather in Canada, as this is when the biggest damage and performance reduction may occur.

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