Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are not as different to those powered by Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) as you may think. They possess a power train. Their transmissions still require gear oils. The friction brakes comprise pads, discs and fluids. The cooling system utilises coolant. Even steering and suspension components are conventional. Therefore, many BEV maintenance requirements are similar to those of ICE cars. Yet, you should appreciate the subtle differences.
The battery pack
A knowledgeable BEV purchaser will prioritise remaining battery capacity, because the pack represents a significant chunk of the car’s value. This is less of a worry, if you buy a BEV with a battery lease, in which case, the pack should be guaranteed for life. Degraded cells mean decreased power storage, translating into reduced range. Like combustion engines, the rate of deterioration depends not solely on mileage but also usage patterns. Unlike flooded lead-acid batteries, the cells within high-voltage battery packs prefer to be kept at around 85% charge and
