Expert: Service costs for electric cars rise significantly over time

Image: Nissan (illustrative)

The maintenance needs of electric vehicles differ from those of vehicles with internal combustion engines. The cost structure varies throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle, as Maximilian Wegner from consulting firm Roland Berger explained to Automobilwoche.

While earlier estimates suggested a 25 to 50 percent reduction in maintenance costs, the expert notes that current figures show a reduction of only about 15 to 20 percent. The costs tend to shift “significantly” to later stages of vehicle use.

In internal combustion engines, maintenance costs related to components such as oil, filters, belts, or clutches are predictable from the start. In electric vehicles, the cost curve remains relatively flat for the first eight to ten years, as many maintenance parts are eliminated and brake wear decreases due to regenerative braking. According to Wegner, customers can save between 20 and 40 percent of the costs during this phase.

However, after a vehicle is over eight years old, the costs for electric vehicles rise significantly, explains the consultant. Repairs can cost between 5000 and 25,000 euros. This is because fewer maintenance checks allow smaller problems to go unnoticed, and expensive components such as the electric motor, power electronics, or high-voltage battery may fail. Additionally, the software and more integrated components become so outdated that replacing them requires substantial effort.

As vehicles age and warranties expire, owners often switch to independent repair shops. Since these customers are usually price-sensitive, they seek cost-effective solutions, according to Wegner. However, independent repair shops must first prepare for this market by acquiring the necessary qualifications and diagnostic skills.

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About the author

Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.

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