Electric cars are cheap to maintain, but this expert warns: “The costs don’t disappear; they just come later.”

26/09/2026 09:00

Updated to

26/09/2026 09:00

The growth of electric cars is beginning to create a scenario that was largely unimportant just a few years ago: what happens when these vehicles have been in use for eight, ten, or more years. The first generations are approaching those ages, and as a result, different types of repairs are needed compared to those required for gasoline or diesel vehicles.

That is precisely one of the changes being observed in the after-sales sector. Maximilian Wegner, an expert from consulting firm Roland Berger, tells Automobilwoche that electric cars still require less maintenance for most of their lifespan, although the difference compared to combustion engines has narrowed from initial estimates.

Savings are greater in the first years

Initial estimates suggested maintenance costs could be reduced by 25% to 50%, but Wegner now estimates the overall reduction to be around 15%-20%. The absence of engine oil, filters, clutches, or belts, along with reduced brake use due to regenerative braking, helps keep expenses low in the early years.

According to their estimates, within the first eight to ten years, savings can range from 20% to 40%. The situation is different from that of a gasoline car, where most maintenance tasks occur gradually and are relatively predictable from the first few kilometers.

The problem arises when expensive components fail

After this initial phase, the potential cost of certain repairs increases significantly. Roland Berger cites repairs that can range from 5,000 to 25,000 euros when they affect components such as the electric motor, power electronics, or high-voltage systems. This is compounded by greater integration of components and software that also ages over time with the vehicle.

The battery is one of the key factors affecting these repairs, but a complete replacement isn’t always necessary. ADAC states that many batteries can be repaired by replacing only the faulty modules, although there is still considerable uncertainty regarding the availability and cost of such repairs outside specialized networks.

Independent repair shops will need to adapt

The time when these repairs become necessary also coincides with another important factor: the end of the warranty period. Currently, the standard duration set by manufacturers is eight years or 160,000 kilometers for batteries, usually with a minimum guaranteed capacity of around 70%.

After that, some owners turn to independent repair shops in search of lower costs. Wegner believes these establishments will need to improve their training in high-voltage systems and diagnostic skills, as the aging electrical infrastructure will increase over the coming years, requiring affordable repair solutions outside of the official warranty period.