Tips on Maintaining Electric Vehicles

As electric vehicles (EV) become more popular in Australia, it’s important for EV owners to understand how to maintain their vehicles to ensure they continue running smoothly and efficiently. Let’s take a look at some tips for maintaining your electric vehicle in Australia.

Keeping the battery charged

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your EV is to keep your battery charged. This not only ensures that you have enough power to get where you need to go, but it also helps extend the life of your battery. The NRMA states that an EV’s lithium-ion batteries degrade when they are at very low levels or are often charged to maximum capacity – as such you can safely get moving on an 80 per cent charge but consider charging right away as soon as the power level goes down to as low as 20 per cent. 

Some manufacturers may offer DC quick-charge units to fuel the battery with fresh voltage in short a time, but you must exercise caution; All Electric Vehicles AU warns that excessive use of quick chargers will drastically curtail the lifespan of the battery and it takes a long time to have a badly-depleted battery replaced.    

Defensive driving

EVs currently out on the market boast rapid acceleration, with many models comfortably going 0-100kph in just under five seconds, but you must still respect current speed limits when out on the road. Apply common defensive driving tactics to prevent taxing the motor and allow for safe braking distances, even if the EV has regenerative braking systems. 

Adhere to the vehicle’s maintenance schedule

Just like any other vehicle, EVs require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Make sure to follow the maintenance schedule detailed in the owner’s manual, which may include things like tire rotations, brake inspections, and fluid changes. Regular maintenance helps catch potential problems early on, which can save you money in the long run.

How’s your brakes?

Many EVs have regenerative braking systems, which create electric current coursed back to the battery. However, brakes in an EV can degrade over time. The team at EVSE AU suggests taking the opportunity in your maintenance run to clear out the brakes’ dust particle filters and change the brake pads, rotors and the brake fluid, 

Check tyre pressure

Proper tyre pressure is crucial for the safety and efficiency of your EV. Make sure to check your tyre pressure regularly, and adjust it as needed. Under-inflated tyres can cause your vehicle to use more energy, which can reduce your range and increase your charging time. The team at AutoEdge in Midvale WA recommends that you have your tyre setup undergo a camber check and realignment, and wheel rotation like a regular internal-combustion vehicle, to ensure the tyres wear evenly.  

Monitor your range

Keeping an eye on your vehicle’s range is important for planning your trips and avoiding range anxiety. Make sure to keep track of how far you can go on a single charge, and plan your trips accordingly. If you’re going on a long trip, make sure to map out your charging stops ahead of time. The current government is already endeavouring to have built an extensive network of charging stations to aid EV owners, one resource to look for is this map from the Electric Vehicle Council.

Use the proper charging equipment

Using the right charging equipment is important for the safety and efficiency of your EV. Make sure to use charging equipment that is compatible with your vehicle, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging. Avoid using extension cords or other makeshift solutions, as these can be dangerous and may cause damage to your vehicle. In Australia, the usage of extension cords as charging conduits for EVs parked on the curb have already attracted sheer public scrutiny due to safety hazards to passersby.  

Clean up your rig

Regular cleaning of your EV is important for maintaining its appearance and protecting its components. Make sure to clean your vehicle regularly, including the exterior, interior, and undercarriage. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the paint or other components.

Store your vehicle properly

If you need to store your EV for an extended period of time, it’s important to do so properly to prevent damage to the battery or other components. Make sure to store your vehicle in a cool, dry place to prevent overheating the batteries and keep the battery charged between 50 to 75 per cent. You may also want to consider using a battery maintainer to help preserve the battery’s life. If you are not using the EV for a while, keep the battery at least half-charged and ask somebody to disconnect the charging unit for you to avoid overcharging, even at home.

A finance app like UBOMI can be an ideal tool to aid you in your EV’s maintenance programme. The app’s UBUDGET interface will help you dedicate a portion of your income towards service fees in addition to monitoring the state of your payments on the vehicle. 

Electric vehicles are already a wonderful investment for a country aiming to be a major force in renewable energy technology, like Australia. Learning the best ways to take care of it will make a big difference in mobility needs for you and your family.

If you liked our “Tips on Maintaining Electric Vehicles” and find it useful, check our blogs regularly for more information to get updates on UBOMI’s budget app and expense tracker.

DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. UBOMI has no business relationships with any company or organisation mentioned in this article.