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The Singapore government’s vision for 100% cleaner-energy vehicles by 2040 aims to phase out existing internal combustion (ICE) vehicles to achieve full electrification of cars by the same year. With this goal in mind, the near future of electric vehicles (EVs) looks bright in Singapore.
If you currently own an EV or are thinking about buying one, understanding and familiarising yourself with its long-term maintenance and servicing requirements is important to navigating this upcoming transition.
EVs have fewer mechanical parts compared to ICE vehicles, which makes them less prone wear and tear, and results in overall reduced maintenance costs.
Unlike the batteries of ICE vehicles, EV batteries have fewer moving parts and do not need much maintenance. An EV battery has a life of up to 20 years, and regular servicing can prevent issues that can affect the long term efficiency of the battery, such as battery degradation, which can be caused by poor battery-charging habit.
Regular battery diagnostics are important for detecting voltage inconsistencies between cells. Technicians typically scan the Battery Management System (BMS) to analyse battery cell data and overall system health. Additionally, the thermal management system should be checked to ensure the coolant is functioning properly, especially in hot climates where overheating can occur.
Checking the brakes is vital for the safety of the passengers in a car. Some EVs have regenerative braking, which reduces wear and tear on the brake pads and discs, however regular maintenance of the brakes should remain a top priority. Regenerative braking works by converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electricity, which is then sent back to the battery. Despite reduced wear on brake components, brake fluid still needs to be flushed periodically as it absorbs moisture over time.
Ignoring brake maintenance could mean less stopping power, dirty brake fluid, or damaged discs. Although EV brakes last longer than those in fuelled cars, they will still wear out and need replacement periodically. Brake fluid should also be flushed every 18 months or 30,000 km, as it absorbs moisture over time and can affect braking performance.
EVs are considerably heavier than other ICE cars and need properly inflated tyres to support their weight. It is important to check for signs of low tread, tears, delamination, as well as tyre pressure and wheel alignment. Tyre wear may occur more quickly due to the instant torque produced by EVs, which places additional stress on the tyres. Rotating the tyres every 5000 to 10,000km will ensure an even wear across all four tyres and extend their lifespan.
While EVs do not use oil, they have a cooling system that regulates the battery’s temperature. The liquid coolant will need to be topped up during your routine servicing. If not, your battery could overheat and cause serious damage.
The thermal management system should also be inspected regularly to ensure optimal battery performance, including checking coolant condition and cooling components. EVs also need regular lubrication of joints, axles, and drive shafts to keep everything working smoothly and efficient.
Over time, regular driving can cause damage to the suspension systems of any car. However, EVs are heavier than ICE cars, so the springs and dampers wear out more quickly.
The additional weight and instant torque of EVs place greater stress on suspension components, making regular inspections important to maintain ride comfort and vehicle stability. Keeping the suspension system in check helps your car run smoothly and gives you more control behind the wheel.
EVs possess more sophisticated systems than ICE cars, and regular full diagnostic checkups will help you monitor your car’s battery health, tyre conditions, and access the latest software updates.
These diagnostics typically include scanning the vehicle’s systems, including the Battery Management System (BMS), to detect early issues and ensure all components are functioning efficiently. These issues need to be identified early to prevent costly repairs later on.
EVs typically require less maintenance compared to other types of cars. Each car manufacturer has its own maintenance recommendations based on a specific model’s service miles. For example, a Tesla Model 3 requires servicing every 15,000km, whereas a BYD Atto 3 requires servicing every 20,000km. Generally speaking, it is recommended to have your EV professionally serviced every 10 to 12 months or after 10,000km to 12,000km. Check your car manufacturer’s manual for the exact servicing schedule.
Proper servicing and maintenance of an EV is a job for technicians who have certifications in EV car maintenance and repair. This ensures they have the knowledge and skills to work on EVs safely and effectively. As EVs are becoming popular, there is a high chance we will see the implementation of EV services in Singapore’s automotive repair industry outside authorised dealerships.
The service option, mileage, the size and age of your EV, and replacement parts (if any) are some factors that can influence the cost of servicing.
Regular maintenance of a fuelled car in Singapore costs about SGD 250 to SGD 270 every 10,000km, which totals approximately SGD 3,000 over a 5-year period, or 100,000km. Conversely, EV car maintenance costs over the same period will be lower by 30 to 40% because EVs are designed as a cost-effective option in the long term.
Maintaining and servicing an EV is more convenient than an ICE car, and proper maintenance will extend the life of your electric car by years. For any battery, maintenance, and servicing issues, Hybrid Shop is your trusted local service centre that provides comprehensive maintenance specialising in EV and hybrid car models.
It is recommended to keep the charge between 20% and 80% to extend the battery life.
You can perform basic tasks like checking tyre pressure, topping up washer fluid, and replacing wiper blades. Anything else should be left to professional mechanics to avoid serious damage to your car.
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Hybrid Shop Singapore is founded and led by Mr. Sky Tiek, who is a veteran in the automotive repair industry with more than 35 years of experience, ranging from race car modification to all other repair and maintenance for all car makes and models.
