One of the major appeals of switching to an electric vehicle (EV) is the promise of lower running and maintenance costs. But what exactly changes when you no longer have a combustion engine under the hood? In this guide, we break down the typical maintenance requirements for EVs in Singapore, what’s different from petrol cars, and how to ensure your EV runs efficiently for years to come.

TL;DR

🚘 EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol cars, resulting in lower maintenance needs.

🚘 Key maintenance areas: battery health, tires, brakes, cooling systems, and fluids.

🚘 No oil changes or exhaust system repairs required.

🚘 Brake pads last longer due to regenerative braking.

🚘 Regular software updates improve performance and safety.

🚘 Professional checks are needed for high-voltage systems and battery diagnostics.

The Core Difference: Fewer Moving Parts

The primary reason EVs require less maintenance is their powertrain. An ICE vehicle's engine is a complex system of hundreds of moving parts: pistons, valves, crankshafts, timing belts, spark plugs, and an intricate exhaust system, all requiring regular lubrication, replacement, and tuning.

In contrast, an EV's drivetrain is vastly simpler, typically consisting of:

• An electric motor
• A power inverter
• A reduction gear (single-speed transmission)
• The battery pack

This simplicity directly translates into fewer components that can wear out, fewer fluids to change, and fewer diagnostic issues.

Key Maintenance Areas for EVs in Singapore

While the traditional "engine overhaul" becomes a thing of the past, EVs still have specific maintenance requirements.

Here's a breakdown:

1. Battery System Checks:

🛠 What's done: Diagnostics to monitor battery health, state of charge, and overall performance. Technicians will check for any error codes or unusual readings from the Battery Management System (BMS). Cooling systems for the battery may also be inspected.

⏱ Frequency: Typically part of scheduled servicing, often every 2 years or 30,000-40,000 km, depending on the manufacturer.

Singapore Context: High ambient temperatures can slightly affect battery performance over time, making these diagnostic checks crucial. However, modern battery thermal management systems are designed to mitigate this.

2. Braking System Inspections:

🛠 What's done: Unlike ICE cars that primarily use friction braking, EVs heavily utilize "regenerative braking." This system converts kinetic energy back into electricity, slowing the car down without engaging the brake pads as much. This significantly reduces wear on brake pads and rotors. However, they still need to be inspected for wear, rust (due to less use), and proper function. Brake fluid levels also need checking.

⏱ Frequency: Pads and rotors typically last much longer, often double or triple the lifespan of those on ICE cars. Inspections remain part of routine servicing.

Singapore Context: Stop-and-go city driving means more opportunities for regenerative braking, further extending brake component life.

3. Tyres:

🛠 What's done: Regular tyre rotations, balancing, and alignment checks are critical. EVs, especially heavier models, can put more stress on tyres due to their instant torque and battery weight. Some EVs use specialized low rolling resistance tyres that may wear differently.

⏱ Frequency: Standard tyre maintenance intervals (e.g., every 10,000 km for rotation).

Singapore Context: Our humid climate and consistent urban driving patterns mean tyre health is always a focus for any vehicle.

4. Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

🛠 What's done: This filter ensures clean air inside the cabin. It needs regular replacement to maintain air quality and efficient HVAC system operation.

⏱ Frequency: Annually or every 20,000-30,000 km, similar to ICE vehicles.

Singapore Context: Essential given Singapore's urban air quality and humidity, which can affect filter longevity.

5. Coolant Checks (for Battery and Motor):

🛠 What's done: EVs have dedicated cooling systems for their battery pack and electric motor, distinct from an ICE engine's cooling system. The coolant levels and condition need to be checked and replaced according to manufacturer guidelines.

⏱ Frequency: Less frequent than engine coolant changes, often every 5-10 years or 100,000-150,000 km.

Singapore Context: Crucial for managing heat in our tropical climate, ensuring optimal performance and battery longevity.

6. Suspension and Steering Components:

🛠 What's done: Standard checks for wear and tear on shock absorbers, struts, bushings, and steering components. The heavier weight of some EVs can sometimes place more demand on these parts.

⏱ Frequency: Part of regular comprehensive servicing.

Singapore Context: Our well-maintained roads generally reduce wear, but speed bumps and occasional potholes still necessitate these checks.

7. Software Updates:

🛠 What's done: EVs are "computers on wheels." Software updates are delivered over-the-air (OTA) or during service visits to improve performance, enhance features, optimize battery management, and even fix bugs.

⏱ Frequency: As needed, often automatically.

Singapore Context: Important for keeping your EV's systems secure, efficient, and up-to-date with the latest advancements.

What EVs DON'T Need (or Need Much Less Of)

• No Engine Oil Changes: Eliminates the most frequent and messy maintenance task.
• No Spark Plugs, Fuel Filters, Air Filters (Engine): These components are simply not present in an EV drivetrain.
• No Timing Belt/Chain Replacements: No complex engine mechanisms to worry about.
• No Exhaust System Checks: No emissions to manage, no mufflers or catalytic converters to rust or fail.
• Less Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement: Regenerative braking significantly extends their life.
• No Transmission Fluid Changes: Most EVs have single-speed reduction gears that rarely require fluid changes, if at all.

The Bottom Line: Lower Maintenance Costs in Singapore

For both individual owners and fleet operators in Singapore, the reduced complexity of EVs directly translates to:

• Less Frequent Servicing: Fewer trips to the workshop.
• Lower Labour Costs: Simpler jobs take less time.
• Fewer Parts to Replace: Significant savings on consumables.

While the exact figures vary by model and usage, studies and real-world experience in Singapore consistently show that EVs can cost 30% or more less to maintain over their lifespan compared to equivalent ICE vehicles. This makes them not only a greener choice but also a more economically sensible one in the long run.

FAQ

Q: How often do EVs need maintenance?
A: Most EVs require professional checks every 18,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.

Q: Do EVs need oil changes?
A: No, EVs do not require oil changes.

Q: What is the most important maintenance for an EV?
A: Battery health, tire maintenance, and brake system checks are the most importan.

Q: How long do EV batteries last?
A: EV batteries typically last 8–15 years, depending on climate and usage.