Hybrid Maintenance vs. EV Maintenance
As electrification becomes more common, car owners are often curious about the differences in Honda maintenance between hybrid vehicles and fully electric vehicles (EVs). While both promise improved efficiency and reduced emissions compared to traditional gas engines, they differ significantly in their upkeep needs. This guide from Casey Honda covers what drivers should know when comparing hybrid maintenance to EV maintenance.
Are EVs and Hybrid Vehicles Less Maintenance than Gas Cars?
Despite the increasing digitization and computerization of today’s traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) automobiles, physical parts are still integral to their performance. In fact, the average ICE car still utilizes several hundred moving parts, and some upwards of 2,000. So there’s a lot to maintain over the lifetime of an ICE vehicle.
On the other hand, EVs have far fewer parts by comparison. This means less maintenance at our Honda service center. Of course, just like ICE cars, EVs and hybrids both require regular maintenance for systems such as the brakes, tires, and suspension. But with an EV, its lack of a combustion engine means you won’t need to worry about oil changes or replacing engine parts such as timing belts and spark plugs.
What Maintenance Do EVs Need?
The main components of a typical EV at our Newport News, VA, Honda dealership include the battery, the electric motor(s), the brakes, and the tires. Here’s a summary of what each of these items requires, service-wise:
Battery and Motor
A battery and an electric motor comprise an EV’s powertrain. This combination has excellent warranty coverage, is exceptionally robust, and should perform without issue for 8 – 10 years. To ensure the highest level of performance, you want to make sure that the motor is always clean and the battery is never completely depleted of energy. Instead, keep the charge within a range of 20% – 80%.
Brakes
New Honda EVs have conventional brakes that will wear down over time. However, EVs are able to prolong the wear-out period through a system called regenerative braking. It makes braking more efficient, so there’s less wear and tear on the brake system. However, you’ll still need to replace parts such as the brake pads and discs eventually.
Tires
There’s little difference between the needs of Honda tires on an EV, a hybrid, or an ICE vehicle. EV owners still need to have their car tires rotated every 6,000 – 8,000 miles and regularly pressurized to the right level.
What Maintenance do Hybrids Need?
Because they share many commonalities with ICE automobiles, a hybrid has similar maintenance needs. The gas engine, electric motor, and battery should be inspected regularly, but note that the latter two components are smaller than those in an EV. Also, your hybrid vehicle’s regenerative braking system should afford you a longer brake system lifetime than an ICE car.
Schedule Honda Service in Newport News, VA
Understanding the differences in maintenance needs between hybrids and EVs helps drivers make informed decisions. EVs offer simplified upkeep, while hybrids strike a balance between electric efficiency and gas-powered range. To explore hybrid or EV options and schedule a complimentary multipoint inspection or expert service, contact your local dealership today.