The team in BestDrive believe debunking EV myths is crucial to promoting informed decisions and accelerating the transition to sustainable transport. Misinformation about battery lifespan, charging, and maintenance can discourage adoption. Educating people on the real benefits, lower running costs, reduced emissions, and reliability should help build confidence. Here we take a look at five common reliability questions.

Is servicing an EV just like servicing a regular car?

Servicing an electric vehicle differs significantly from servicing a traditional internal combustion engine car. EVs have fewer moving parts, eliminating the need for oil changes, exhaust system maintenance, and timing belt replacements. Instead, servicing focuses on battery health, software updates, brake system checks (due to regenerative braking), and cooling system maintenance. Tyre wear can be higher due to the vehicle's weight and instant torque. While routine inspections are still necessary, overall maintenance costs tend to be lower than ICE vehicles. However, specialised training and equipment are required for technicians to properly service high-voltage EV components.

Is it true that EV batteries need replacing every few years?

No, EV batteries do not need replacing every few years. Modern electric vehicle batteries are designed to last a decade or more, often outlasting the vehicle itself. Most manufacturers offer warranties of 8–10 years or around 160,000 km, ensuring long-term reliability. Battery longevity depends on factors like charging habits, temperature exposure, and overall usage. Advances in battery technology, thermal management systems, and software updates help minimise degradation. While some capacity loss occurs over time, most EVs retain 70–90% of their original range after several years. Full battery replacement is rare and usually only necessary in extreme cases.

Is main dealership servicing for EV’s essential or are independent specialists ok?

In today’s world, you don’t necessarily have to stick to the main dealership. Using independent specialists like BestDrive to service your electric vehicle is perfectly fine and often a smart choice. BestDrive offer 4 service solutions for Electric Vehicle drivers. Each one offers a range of required work ranging from our Gold offering to a new eVIP offer. With prices from as little as €104, they can handle essential tasks like battery health checks, brake servicing, tyre replacements, and software updates. As long as the specialist follows manufacturer guidelines and uses approved parts, your warranty remains intact. BestDrive garages also provide more flexibility and convenience, ensuring your EV stays in top condition without dealership pricing.

Are EVs are more likely to break down?

In our experience electric vehicles are generally less likely to break down compared to traditional internal combustion engine cars. However, breakdowns can still occur due to issues like depleted battery charge, electrical system faults, or tyre-related problems. Battery degradation over time is minimal but can impact range. Keeping the battery charged and maintaining essential components ensures an EV remains dependable for everyday use.

Longterm, will EVs be more expensive to maintain?

Long term, EVs are generally less expensive to maintain than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Again, EVs avoid costly maintenance like oil changes, exhaust repairs, timing belt replacements, and complex transmission servicing. Regenerative braking also reduces brake wear, extending the lifespan of brake components. However, potential costs include battery replacements, though most last well beyond a decade, and specialised repairs for high-voltage systems. Software updates and diagnostics may require dealer or specialist visits. While upfront costs for purchasing were once higher, we are now seeing price parity on the Irish market with some manufacturers. Add to this the lower servicing expenses and fewer mechanical failures it will surely make EVs the more cost-effective to maintain over time.

Verdict

These clear maintenance facts counter fears about battery issues, reliability, and long-term costs. With accurate information, consumers can embrace EVs with confidence and not be so worried about the transition. BestDrive experts will ensure that the services required are carried out according to each vehicle’s individual manufacturers schedule and specification. This way you will have complete peace of mind. Simply click here for more information.