What does an electric car service include?
What you still need to service
- Tyres. EVs are typically heavier than petrol equivalents due to their battery packs, and instant torque delivery at low speeds can increase rear tyre wear. Tyre inspection and rotation are standard items at every service.
- Brakes. Physical brakes last considerably longer on EVs because regenerative braking handles most deceleration in everyday driving. However, pads, discs, and callipers are still inspected at each service.
- Battery health check. A State of Health (SOH) diagnostic confirms the battery is retaining charge capacity as expected. This is a standard item on most manufacturer service schedules.
- Cabin air filter. Replaced on a schedule similar to petrol cars — typically every 12 to 24 months.
- Fluids. Coolant for the battery thermal management system and brake fluid are checked and topped up or replaced on a periodic schedule.
- High-voltage system safety check. A trained technician inspects the high-voltage cabling, connections, and safety interlocks.
What you no longer need
- Engine oil and oil filter change
- Spark plug replacement
- Cambelt or timing chain service
- Exhaust system inspection and repair
- Catalytic converter maintenance
- Fuel filter replacement
For many petrol car owners, the cambelt alone can cost £300 to £500 at the recommended service interval. Removing it from the equation is one of the most significant long-term servicing savings EVs offer.
How much does an electric car service cost?
- Average annual EV service: £100 to £250, with a mean of approximately £165 (Electric Car Scheme / Autotrader)
- Average petrol car annual service: approximately £205
- Annual saving vs petrol: approximately £40 on average service; potentially £200 to £400 including unplanned repairs — figures vary; verify current data
- Tyre replacement: £80 to £150 per tyre for most EV sizes
- Battery health diagnostic: typically included in manufacturer service schedule; as a standalone check, approximately £50 to £100 — figures vary; verify current data
Independent EV specialists generally charge 20 to 30% less than a main dealer for routine service work. As the number of IMI-qualified EV technicians grows, independent options are becoming easier to find across the UK.
Manufacturer service plans
Most manufacturers offer prepaid service plans at the point of sale, covering a fixed number of years or mileage intervals at a locked-in price. The main advantage is certainty: you pay today's labour rates and avoid any increase over the life of the plan.
A few things to check before committing:
- Confirm exactly what is included — most plans cover annual inspections, fluid top-ups, and safety checks, but not tyre replacement or accident-related repairs
- Check whether the plan covers battery health diagnostics or charges for them separately
- Understand whether the plan requires servicing exclusively at a franchised dealer
Independent EV mechanics vs main dealer
Independent EV specialists are becoming more common, and the cost difference relative to a main dealer can be meaningful. Main dealer hourly labour rates typically run 20 to 30% higher than independent specialists. For routine annual service work, this gap is worth exploiting once your vehicle is out of the initial warranty period.
One important caveat: high-voltage system work requires a technician holding at least an IMI Level 2 EV qualification. Before booking with any independent garage, confirm they have at least one qualified EV technician on staff. Your warranty terms for a new car may also require dealership servicing during the warranty period — check your documentation before switching.
Tyre costs — the hidden EV service expense
Tyres are the servicing item that most surprises new EV owners. Because electric cars are heavier than petrol equivalents — sometimes by several hundred kilograms — tyre wear is incrementally faster, particularly on the rear axle where torque loads are highest on rear-wheel-drive models.
- Many EVs come fitted with EV-specific, low-rolling-resistance tyres that cost slightly more than standard equivalents of the same size
- Tyre rotation every 6,000 to 8,000 miles is recommended to even out wear across all four wheels
- Budget for tyre replacement roughly every 20,000 to 25,000 miles on the rear axle for a typical rear-wheel-drive EV, though this varies considerably by driving style
What does an EV service cost over a year?
A realistic annual maintenance budget for most EVs:
- Routine annual service: £100 to £250
- Tyres (amortised across replacement cycle): budget approximately £50 to £100 per year
- Brakes: lower replacement frequency than petrol due to regenerative braking
A realistic annual maintenance budget is £150 to £350, depending on model, age, and whether you use a main dealer or independent specialist.
Servicing is just one part of your EV running costs. For the full picture of what an electric car costs to run each year, including charging, insurance, and road tax, see our main guide.
Key takeaways
- The average annual EV service costs £100 to £250, compared to around £205 for a petrol car.
- EVs no longer need oil changes, spark plugs, cambelt servicing, or exhaust repairs.
- Brakes last longer on EVs due to regenerative braking, but tyres can wear faster due to vehicle weight and instant torque delivery.
- Battery health checks are now a standard part of EV servicing and help maintain resale value.
- Independent EV specialists typically charge 20 to 30% less than main dealers for routine service work.
Frequently asked questions
How often does an electric car need servicing?
Once a year, or every 12,000 to 18,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer's recommendation. EVs generally have longer service intervals than petrol cars because of the reduced number of wear items. Always follow the schedule in your vehicle's handbook.
Do electric cars need oil changes?
No. Electric motors do not use engine oil. There is no oil filter, no oil change interval, and no oil-related service item. This is one of the main reasons EV servicing costs less than petrol car servicing.
What is included in an electric car service?
A standard EV service typically includes a tyre inspection and rotation, brake check, battery State of Health diagnostic, cabin air filter inspection, coolant and brake fluid check, high-voltage system safety check, and software update if required. Exact inclusions vary by manufacturer and service plan.
Are electric car tyres more expensive?
EV-specific low-rolling-resistance tyres can cost slightly more than standard equivalents. EVs also wear tyres marginally faster than petrol cars due to their additional weight and the torque delivery characteristics of electric motors. Budget for replacement roughly every 20,000 to 25,000 miles on the rear axle, though this varies by model and driving style.
Can any mechanic service an electric car?
Only technicians holding an appropriate EV qualification — such as the IMI Level 2 or Level 3 EV award — should work on high-voltage systems. Main dealers and a growing number of independent EV specialists hold these qualifications. Always confirm your chosen garage employs a qualified EV technician before booking.