One of the main promises attached to electric vehicles is that they cost less to maintain than traditional gas powered cars. Automakers and advocates often highlight the fact that EVs don’t need oil changes, have fewer moving parts, and experience less mechanical wear. That claim holds true in many cases, but the full picture is a little more complex. The difference in costs can depend heavily on the type of vehicle, how long you plan to keep it, and what kinds of repairs you eventually face.
Fewer Moving Parts Mean Lower Upkeep
The biggest advantage of EVs lies in mechanical simplicity. A gasoline engine is a complicated piece of machinery with pistons, valves, spark plugs, belts, pumps, and dozens of other components that require service over time. An electric motor, by contrast, has far fewer parts that can fail. This makes them more reliable in the long run and eliminates many of the service appointments that gas powered owners are used to scheduling. For example, Tesla Model 3 owners frequently report several years of driving with only basic tire rotations and occasional cabin air filter changes.
Oil Changes and Exhaust Work Are Gone
Perhaps the most obvious savings come from the absence of oil changes. A Toyota Camry owner will likely spend a few hundred dollars each year on oil and filter changes, while a Ford F 150 with a V8 might cost even more due to higher oil capacities and specialized filters. EV drivers simply skip that entirely. Exhaust system maintenance is also non existent in EVs. Where a conventional Honda Accord might need a muffler or catalytic converter replacement at 100,000 miles, an electric equivalent like a Hyundai Ioniq 5 will never face that bill. Over ten years, the absence of these costs can add up to thousands in savings.
Brakes Last Longer Thanks to Regeneration
Regenerative braking gives EVs a unique advantage in extending brake life. By using the motor to slow the car and recover energy, traditional brake pads and rotors see far less wear. Tesla and Hyundai Kona EV owners have reported their original brakes lasting beyond 100,000 miles, something almost unheard of in gasoline cars where brake jobs are often required every 40,000 to 60,000 miles. A Ford F 150 Lightning, despite its weight, benefits from this system as well, reducing the need for frequent brake servicing compared to its gasoline powered F 150 sibling.
Tires and Suspension Take More Abuse
While EVs save money in many areas, their weight often translates to faster tire wear. Instant torque also means tires are put under more stress, especially in performance oriented EVs. A Tesla Model Y owner, for instance, may see tires wear out in 25,000 to 30,000 miles, compared to 40,000 miles or more on a comparable gasoline crossover. Suspension parts can also face greater strain due to the extra weight of the battery packs. Over time, this may offset some of the savings achieved from eliminating engine maintenance.
Battery Replacement is the Elephant in the Room
The single largest concern for long term EV ownership is the high voltage battery. Replacement costs can range from $8,000 to well over $20,000 depending on the vehicle. A Ford F 150 Lightning battery pack is estimated at more than $15,000, while early Tesla Model S replacements have been reported near $20,000. That said, most modern EV batteries are holding up far better than expected, with warranties covering at least eight years or 100,000 miles. Many Toyota Prius hybrids and early Tesla Model 3s are crossing 150,000 miles with little to no degradation beyond 10 to 15 percent of capacity. The likelihood of needing a full replacement is rare, but it remains the most significant potential cost an EV owner might face.
Electronics and Software Bring Their Own Issues
Although EVs eliminate many mechanical headaches, they add complexity in software and electronics. Modern electric vehicles rely on advanced computer systems to control everything from motor output to cabin climate. When these systems fail, repairs can be costly. Tesla owners have occasionally reported touchscreen replacements costing several thousand dollars, while Ford has had to issue updates and recalls for the Lightning’s battery management software. Gas powered cars are also becoming more electronic, but EVs are almost entirely dependent on these systems, meaning software issues can translate directly into unexpected repair bills.
Real World Cost Comparisons
In North America, several studies have tried to quantify the difference in ownership costs. Over the first five years, a Tesla Model 3 owner typically spends far less on maintenance than a comparable BMW 3 Series. The Tesla avoids oil changes, exhaust work, and frequent brake service, resulting in savings of roughly 30 to 40 percent. Similarly, a Ford F 150 Lightning will generally cost less to maintain than a gas powered F 150 over the same period, though its tires and potential battery issues must be factored in. Toyota’s hybrid and plug in models like the Prius Prime also illustrate how EV drivetrains reduce long term wear, with many examples crossing 200,000 miles with only minor maintenance.
Early Savings vs Long Term Uncertainty
For the first decade of ownership, EVs almost always come out ahead on maintenance costs. They are easier to live with, less demanding on service schedules, and far less likely to surprise owners with major repairs. Where things balance out is at very high mileage, beyond 12 to 15 years of use. Gas cars may need engine or transmission work, but EVs face the looming possibility of expensive battery replacements or electronics failures. Because EVs are still relatively new, their long term cost curves are not as well documented as those of gasoline cars. This uncertainty means that while EVs save money early on, the jury is still out on how they compare once they reach very old age.
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Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
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