EV Maintenance Is Cheaper: ICE Vehicle Costs Will Keep Rising

EV drivers can save up to 50% on maintenance over the lifetime of their vehicle compared to ICE drivers, says Windsor EV news. This number is too big to be ignored, and is a major reason why more fleet operators are making the switch. 

While the adoption of EV’s is newer compared to ICE and may require more training, they require far less frequent maintenance, use fewer serviceable components and have more benefits from cutting edge technology. Making upkeep more simple and cheaper for EVs, as ICE vehicles continue to rise due to more complex systems and replacements.  

Breakdown Of EV Components 

EVs are much simpler machines, as ICE can have over 2,000 moving parts while EVs can have as few as 20, according to 7gen. This alone reduced the likelihood of mechanical issues which can cut down on both time in the shop and total costs over the vehicle's life. As ICE vehicles continue to advance, their technology does as well, requiring new equipment and training which can get expensive. While with EVs there is no oil, no spark plus, no timing belts and no exhaust system to maintain, which is the source of many maintenance issues faced by ICE. Additionally, EVs do not require as many fluid replacements according to Dick Lovett Electric, and their brakes  can last two to three times longer than ICE vehicles. These regenerative brakes synthesize the kinetic energy during declaration and convert it into electricity which can then be used to charge the car's battery. This in turn reduces the wear on brake pads and the need to replace or maintain them. 

With the battery being the most expensive component of an EV, Real-world Geotab data shows that EV batteries degrade at just 1.8% per year, and prices for lithium-ion batteries have dropped over 80% since 2010, with more reductions expected by 2030. In fact, many EV batteries last 20 years or up to 200,000 miles, often outliving the cars they power, reducing the amount of trips to the shop. 

AutoExpress states that reduction in mechanical complexity also lowers labor hours and extends the service intervals. Which can make EVs more affordable and predictable, a great benefit for fleet operators. While EV maintenance may require new training, the Institute of Motor Industry shared that as of 2024, 24% of workshops staff were accredited to work safely with EVs, and this number is likely to increase as more EVs become the car stock. Along with that Over-the-air (OTA) software updates, which is common in many EVs, allow you to update your vehicle's essential software without actually having to go to the shop. It includes benefits like performance enhancement regarding battery and range efficiency, bug fixes and security patches, as well as feature installation making the EV driving experience better. 

ICE vs. EV Costs 

Consumer Reports conducted a study that concluded that EV owners pay about half as much on maintenance and repairs as ICE vehicle owners. The report tested a vehicle over 323,000 km, the average service life of a consumer vehicle and it concluded the following: 

Distance	ICE vehicle	EV
0-80,000 km	€0.024/km	€0.010/km
80,000 - 161,000 km	€0.051/km	€0.024/km
161,000 - 323,000 km	€0.067/km	€0.036/km
Lifetime Average	€0.052/km	€0.026/km

More studies, like one from the UK charging manufacturer Anderson’s New analysis revealed EVs cost 50.2% less to run than ICE cars. Comparing the annual costs of £1,154 for EVs to £2,316 for ICE vehicles, and up to £3,857 vs £5,514 for a 5 year service cost comparison. While on the commercial side the International Council on Clean Transportation found that battery-electric trucks have the lowest per mile maintenance cost of any vehicle type, $0.176/mile, compared to $0.246/mile for diesel. Making EVs even more of a cost effective option for fleet operators. 

Make The Switch Now And Save Big 

Not only are you just saving on maintenance when you switch to EVs, you unlock operational efficiency giving your fleet a competitive edge and keeping you ahead. At EVE we help guide your switch and make this inevitable transition profitable. From vehicle selection, charging strategy and maximizing ROI we can help you at any stage. We know the transition to electric can be complex but our approach reduces the headache and provides data informed and future proof guidance, allowing you to save more than just on maintenance. You’ll reduce emissions, increase uptime, lower TCO while being prepared for the future of fleets. EV maintenance isn’t just cheaper, it’s smarter. And with EVE, your path to electrification can be, too.

Learn more about how EVE can help you stay ahead and transition with confidence!