Are electric cars easier to maintain?

We all know that the topic of saving the environment is the talk of the town these days. You may be working on making changes to do your part in being eco-friendly in your day-to-day life. Now you’re thinking about trading in that ol’ gas-guzzler for an electric car (EV), but you want to know more about the maintenance and upkeep before making the switch to ensure it’ll be a cost-effective choice. Our Toyota of Clermont is here to bring you some details you may not know about electric cars to help make your decision easier.

The maintenance and the cost

Overall, electric cars are much easier and cheaper to maintain than alternative gas-burning models. There are about a dozen replaceable parts on an EV, with the battery being largest. Although lithium-ion batteries are usually reliable, defects are a possibility as with any car part.

Battery defects are uncommon, but if a battery seems to have a noticeably shorter lifespan or the battery gives out altogether, it may be time to check in with our Clermont service center to replace it for you.You probably want to know more about the costs you can expect from owning an EV. This type of replacement will run you about $5,000 to $6,000, as opposed to the $15,000 is used to cost. Although this maintenance is significantly less than it used to be, it remains a factor to consider when purchasing an electric car.

Fuel for thought

We in the Clermont area are lucky because the Central Florida region has been very good about installing charging stations for electric cars. These stations take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to give your EV a full charge. If you drive a lot, this will be your best bet for a “quick” charge. Just keep in mind that these charging stations require a fee (significantly less than the gas pump) to use its electricity. However, if you can make your charge last until you get home, then you always have the option to plug in for the night. Also an inexpensive option as opposed to gas, getting a full charge at home will take approximately 12 hours to complete, so it is important to manage your time wisely to ensure your  EV gets the charge it needs.

Warranties for the win

Having a warranty on your EV could be your best friend. If your battery were to give out, that warranty will act as a cushion to keep you from having to shell out that $5-6k on a replacement. Warranties on Clermont Toyotas can extend through the life of the vehicle, while many other companies offer 8-year/100,000-mile warranties.

If you like saving money, having a warranty will help to keep electric vehicle maintenance at little-to-no cost to you out of pocket. As an added incentive to purchasing an EV, you could qualify for various tax breaks as well as other government benefits. 

EVs are a great way to save green while being green! We hope this list helps in making the right decision for you when it comes to purchasing an electric car. Let our vehicle specialists at Toyota of Clermont answer anymore questions you may have about driving green. Visit them at 16851 State Rd 50 just off the Florida turnpike or call them at (352) 404-7001 today!