How Much Will an Electric Vehicle's Maintenance Cost in Total Over Ten Years in Canada?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity due to both environmental and financial benefits. As more people consider transitioning from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to electric vehicles, one common question is the cost of maintenance over the vehicle's lifetime. In this article, we’ll explore the total cost of maintenance for an EV such as a Tesla over a 10-year period in Canada.

According to our analysis, it will cost significantly less to maintain an EV compared to a gas guzzling car or an ICE vehicle. This is justifiable everywhere on Earth, and the savings start accumulating early on in the vehicle’s life cycle.

What's Included in EV Maintenance Costs?

It's important to understand that maintenance expenses for an EV typically include replacement of wear and tear components like tires, brakes, and filters. Unlike an ICE vehicle where you may need to pay for frequent maintenance items like engine oil changes, air filters, and spark plugs, an EV requires much less regular upkeep.

A Tesla owner has reported that over the past 5 years, they have spent only $1,221 on servicing, which includes one set of tires, repairs, and fluid and filter replacements. This suggests that the longer the ownership period, the more significant the cost savings. Here’s a breakdown of potential maintenance costs:

$850 for a set of tires $262 for repair $80 for cleaning equipment and fluids $29 for filters

Doubling these costs for 10 years would bring the total to approximately $2,442. However, this cost can be even lower depending on the wear and tear of the components. It is also worth noting that some items, like cleaning fluids and filters, may not need frequent replacement.

In the next 5 years, the owner anticipates the need for another set of tires and possibly more repair, as the warranty has expired. Additionally, for those living in colder climates, the purchase of snow tires may be necessary. However, the author emphasizes that snow tires are an enhancement rather than a maintenance cost.

Energy Savings and Comparative Costs

It’s not just about the maintenance costs; the energy savings of using an EV can be substantial. An EV like a Tesla can cost less than 1000 CAD for fuel at home and approximately 1500 CAD at Tesla Superchargers to travel 80,000 kilometers. At current gas rates, a comparable gas car would cost at least 8,000 CAD. This huge difference in energy costs significantly reduces the total cost of ownership over time.

Cost Comparison with Traditional Vehicles

A traditional car may require frequent and costly maintenance, such as:

Engine oil changes Air filter replacements Spark plug replacements Fuel filter replacements

By comparison, an EV will still require some maintenance, but it is much less frequent. Suspension, body control, and drivetrain maintenance are still required, as well as regular replacement of worn components like tires and brakes. An EV may also require periodic gearbox oil changes every 50,000 kilometers.

In the warranty period, an EV owner might find that they only need to change their oil 3-4 times per year, which costs around $100 each time. This saves at least $3,000 compared to the regular oil changes required in an ICE vehicle. Additionally, an EV owner spends approximately $1,300 a year on energy costs, which can vary depending on local electricity rates.

One significant advantage of EVs is that regenerative braking systems can significantly reduce the frequency of brake replacements. While the exact cost of brake maintenance is unknown, the overall savings on this front are substantial.

Conclusion: Long-Term Savings and Other Considerations

While the higher purchase price of an electric vehicle can be a deterrent, the long-term cost savings in maintenance and energy are clearly visible. If you plan to own an EV for 10 years, the maintenance costs will be significantly lower, often far outweighing the initial purchase price difference. The time and stress savings from fewer maintenance issues and less frequent breakdowns are also substantial.

It’s important to note that the decision to purchase an EV should not be solely based on maintenance cost savings. An EV offers a cleaner, more efficient, and generally less annoying driving experience. By buying an EV, you can save time and headaches, even if the savings on maintenance are not as dramatic as expected.

So, the next time you’re considering an electric vehicle, focus on the long-term savings, the reduced environmental impact, and the overall positive experience of driving an EV.