Electric and hybrid vehicle service includes specialized checks of the high-voltage battery, electrical systems, and unique cooling systems, in addition to standard vehicle maintenance. Because there is no internal combustion engine in pure electric vehicles, their services are simpler than those for hybrids, which also require maintenance for their petrol engine.
Technicians use diagnostic tools to assess the battery's overall health and remaining capacity.
Inspecting and adding fluids for other systems like coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
The battery and electric motor have a dedicated cooling system that must be inspected for proper function and topped up with the correct coolant.
Although regenerative braking reduces wear on conventional brakes, technicians still need to inspect the pads, discs, and callipers for corrosion or binding, which can occur from infrequent use.
Manufacturers frequently release over-the-air updates for the battery management system and other vehicle software to optimize performance and battery life.
Due to the instant torque and heavy battery packs, EV and hybrid tyres can wear faster. A service includes checking tyre pressure, tread depth, and rotating the tyres.
Like all vehicles, the cabin air filter needs to be replaced at regular intervals to maintain air quality.
Because hybrid vehicles also have an internal combustion engine, their services include standard engine maintenance on top of the unique electric system checks.
For most hybrids, an oil and filter change is performed on a regular schedule, though it may be less frequent than on a conventional vehicle.
Technicians will check and top up other essential fluids, such as brake fluid and engine coolant.
The service will include checks of other engine components, such as the air filter and spark plugs.
Servicing high-voltage systems requires a trained professional to ensure safety and prevent injury from electric shock.
Specialized diagnostic equipment is required to perform comprehensive health checks on the battery and other electrical components.
Service intervals can vary by manufacturer. Consulting your vehicle's handbook is the best way to determine the recommended schedule.
Electric Vehicles: High-voltage battery health check and diagnostics charging system inspection inverter check
Hybrid Vehicles: High-voltage battery health check and diagnostics charging port inspection inverter coolant check and top-up
Electric Vehicles: None
Hybrid Vehicles: Oil and filter changes
Electric Vehicles: Brake system assessment regenerative braking checks brake pad and disc check
Hybrid Vehicles: Brake system assessment regenerative braking checks brake pad and disc check
Electric Vehicles: Windscreen washer fluid
Hybrid Vehicles: Inverter coolant check and top-up engine coolant check other essential fluid checks and top-ups
Electric Vehicles: Tyre pressure and tread check suspension and steering system inspection windscreen wipers and blades
Hybrid Vehicles: Tyre pressure and tread check suspension and steering system inspection windscreen wipers and blades
Electric Vehicles: Use of diagnostic machines to detect faults checking for loose connections software updates
Hybrid Vehicles: Use of diagnostic machines to detect faults checking for loose connections software updates