Business owners are always going to be on the lookout for ways to cut costs, improve efficiency and reduce their environmental impact, because of this the choice between electric vehicles (EVs) and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles has become a hot topic. While upfront costs for EVs might still give some fleet managers pause, a significant part of the conversation comes down to one key question: maintenance.

In the blog we dive into what you need to know about maintaining these two types of vehicles and how each one impacts your bottom line.

Let’s get plugged in…

EVs = Simplified maintenance 

One of the biggest advantages EVs bring to the table is their simplicity when it comes to maintenance. Electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts compared to ICE vehicles. No engine means no oil, no spark plugs, no timing belts, and no exhaust system to worry about! 

EVs are designed with efficiency in mind, which means fewer opportunities for things to go wrong. For businesses managing a fleet, this means reduced downtime and fewer surprise repairs. The components that typically wear out in ICE vehicles are either absent in EVs or last significantly longer.

Now, let’s look at the traditional ICE vehicle. While ICE cars have been the backbone of business fleets for decades, they come with a fair share of ongoing maintenance needs. An internal combustion engine is a complex piece of machinery, requiring regular care to keep it running smoothly.

High maintenance components of ICE vehicles: 

Comparing the cost of maintenance: EVs vs. ICE

When it comes to cost, EVs have a clear advantage in maintenance. According to multiple studies, the routine maintenance costs for electric vehicles can be up to 50% lower than for ICE vehicles. This is largely because of the absence of engine-related services and fewer wear-and-tear components.

In contrast, ICE vehicles often rack up higher maintenance bills due to their complexity. While the initial price tag of an EV might be higher, businesses can recoup that investment over time with lower maintenance costs and fewer repair surprises.

Downtime and business impact 

For businesses with large fleets that are critical to daily operations, downtime can be a concern. Vehicles off the road for repairs can lead to lost productivity, missed appointments, or delayed deliveries.

EVs tend to have less downtime compared to ICE vehicles. Because EVs have fewer mechanical components that can fail, the chances of unexpected breakdowns are lower. This translates to fewer service interruptions and better overall fleet availability.

Because of this EV maintenance tends to be more predictable meaning fleet managers can better anticipate service intervals and avoid unexpected disruptions to their operations.

Balancing the scales: EV specialised servicing 

While EVs come with lower routine maintenance costs, there are a few areas that business users should keep in mind. One of the key differences between maintaining an EV and an ICE vehicle is the battery. EV batteries typically last several years, but when they need to be replaced, it can be a significant expense. However, most EV manufacturers offer long warranties on batteries, so businesses can plan for this well in advance!

Another consideration is the need for specialised technicians. Not all mechanics are trained to handle EVs, so businesses will either need to find service providers that specialise in electric vehicles or invest in training their own maintenance teams.

In the ongoing debate of EV vs. ICE vehicles, it’s clear that when it comes to maintenance, EVs offer significant advantages. 

For fleet managers and business owners weighing the switch, the potential for lower maintenance costs and reduced downtime make EVs a forward-thinking option. While ICE vehicles still have their place, the future of fleet management is electric. 

Frequently Asked Questions