EV Maintenance

A PLUGGED IN RIDE tutorial: how to maintain your EV

Tutorial OBJECTIVES

PART 1 To present an abridged maintenance schedule with costs and details.

PART 2 To elaborate Part 1 with deeper explanations and details. .

Section 1: The EV general maintenance schedule

Section 2: How to maintain your EV. What can the average owner do?

DID YOU KNOW? 1 US gallon of gasoline  =  33.7 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy Interested in optimizing EV efficiency? Check out our tutorial after!

PLUGGED IN RIDE presents: THE EV MAINTENANCE GUIDE · 2 0 2 6 E D I T I O N

EV Maintenance Done Right

This guide show what the average electric vehicle owner needs to know: Schedules, DIY tasks, tire specs, and cost expectations.

Electric vehicles are dramatically simpler than gas cars. There are no oil changes, spark plugs, timing belts, or exhaust systems to monitor. Still, they’re not maintenance-free. Battery management, brake fluid, tires, and cabin filters still need attention. This guide gives you the full picture with precise schedules so nothing is missed.

EV General Maintenance Schedule– Details below. (Varies by case)01 Stay between 20–80% charge for daily driving. Reserve 100%

charging for road trips only. Sitting at full charge stresses lithium

chemistry.

STEP	ALERT	REASON
01 .	Stay between 20–80% charge for daily driving.	Reserve 100% charging for road trips only. Sitting at full charge stresses lithium chemistry
02	Avoid frequent DC fast charging (Level 3).	Occasional use is fine, but daily DCFC degrades capacity faster than Level 2 home charging.
03	Don’t let it sit at 0%.	If storing the vehicle, keep it at 50% charge. Deep discharge cycles can permanently reduce capacity.
04	Use scheduled charging when your utility has off-peak rates (typically midnight–6 AM).	This saves money and charges at cooler battery temperatures.
05	Pre-condition in extreme cold.	Use your app to warm the cabin and battery while still plugged in. Cold batteries lose 20–40% range temporarily and charge more slowly.
06	Monitor state of health (SoH)annually.	Third-party apps (Recurrent, Tessie for Tesla, EVNotify) track capacity fade over time.

Details: What are the different EV battery types?

The Basics: How EV Batteries Work

At their core, EV batteries function similarly to the batteries in your remote control, but on a much grander scale. Each battery pack consists of hundreds or thousands of individual cells, grouped into modules. These cells contain an anode (negative electrode), a cathode (positive electrode), and an electrolyte. When the battery discharges, ions move from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte, while electrons flow through an external circuit, powering the EV.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Currently, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the most common type found in EVs. Their dominance in the market is no coincidence; Li-ion batteries have earned their crown through a combination of impressive characteristics that make them ideal for EV applications.One of the standout characteristics of NiMH batteries is their good cycle life. They can withstand numerous charge-discharge cycles, which is particularly important in hybrid vehicles where the battery is constantly cycling as the vehicle switches between electric and gasoline power.

The NiMH batteries are a solid choice for automakers looking to introduce electrification to their lineups without yet associating their lineup with lithium-ion technology.

Cost is also a factor in the continued use of NiMH batteries. While they may not match the energy density of lithium-ion batteries, NiMH batteries are generally less expensive to produce. However, NiMH batteries do have their limitations. Their lower energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries means they are less suitable for full EVs where maximizing range is a priority. In addition, NiMH batteries suffer from relatively high self-discharge rates, meaning they lose charge more quickly when not in use.

The high energy density of Li-ion batteries is perhaps their most praised feature. This characteristic allows EVs to store large amounts of energy in a relatively small and lightweight package, directly translating to increased driving range. In addition, Li-ion batteries exhibit good high-temperature performance, ensuring reliable operation across a wide range of climatic conditions. This is particularly important in regions with hot climates, where battery performance can significantly impact vehicle reliability.

Another key advantage of Li-ion batteries is their long cycle life. Modern Li-ion batteries can withstand thousands of charge-discharge cycles, often outlasting the EV itself. This longevity not only provides peace of mind to EV owners but also contributes to the overall sustainability of EVs by reducing the need for battery replacements over the EV’s lifetime.

Li-ion batteries also hold significant potential in this area. As recycling technologies advance, the valuable materials within these batteries – including lithium, cobalt, and nickel – can be recovered and reused.

It is no surprise, then, that major automakers like Tesla, Nissan, and Chevrolet have heavily invested in Li-ion technology for their electric vehicle lineups. Tesla, in particular, has pushed the boundaries of Li-ion battery technology, continuously improving energy density and performance in their vehicles.

However, Li-ion batteries are not without their drawbacks. The production costs remain high, contributing to the overall price of EVs and posing a challenge to widespread adoption. Nevertheless, it is the popular and common type of EV batteries that loom in the EV industry.

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries

While lithium-ion batteries dominate the EV market, Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries continue to play a significant role, particularly in hybrid vehicles. NiMH batteries offer a compelling package of features that make them well-suited for the specific demands of hybrid powertrains.One of the standout characteristics of NiMH batteries is their good cycle life. They can withstand numerous charge-discharge cycles, which is particularly important in hybrid vehicles where the battery is constantly cycling as the vehicle switches between electric and gasoline power.

The NiMH batteries are a solid choice for automakers looking to introduce electrification to their lineups without yet associating their lineup with lithium-ion technology.

Cost is also a factor in the continued use of NiMH batteries. While they may not match the energy density of lithium-ion batteries, NiMH batteries are generally less expensive to produce. However, NiMH batteries do have their limitations. Their lower energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries means they are less suitable for full EVs where maximizing range is a priority. In addition, NiMH batteries suffer from relatively high self-discharge rates, meaning they lose charge more quickly when not in use.

Tire Pressure:

Use a digital gauge. Check cold (before driving), use the manufacturer’s spec on the door jamb — not the max PSI on the tire sidewall. EV-rated tires often run 42–50 PSI. Monthly – Free

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Cabin Air Filter:

Most EVs have easily accessible cabin filters behind the glove box or under a dash panel. YouTube tutorials for your model make this a 10-minute job. EVERY 12–15K MI · $15–$40 DIY

Washer Fluid:

Same as any car. Use all-season formula. Many EVs display a low-fluid warningon the dash. Fill from under the hood at the marked reservoirAS NEEDED · $4–$8

Wiper Blades:

Standard universal blades fit most EVs. Measure your existing blades or look up the size. Replacement takes 2 minutes with no tools. EVERY 6–12 MONTHS · $15–$35

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12V Battery Check:

A $20 battery tester from an auto parts store can test your 12V auxiliary battery. Many stores (AutoZone, O’Reilly) will test it free in the parking lot. ANNUAL · FREE–$30. This section refers to your standard 12V battery, used to power accessories. It is not referring to the main, high-voltage battery pack. DO NOT touch any bright orange cables or the main battery itself. Extreme caution must be taken – leave any maintenance to the professionals.

A) Software Updates: Leave these to the pros: High-voltage battery servicing, inverter/motor work, thermal system flushes, brake fluid bleeds, and any repair requiring orange cable disconnection. The main battery pack operates at 400–800V DC — this is lethal.

B) Software Updates: Many EVs push OTA updates automatically. Confirm updates are applied via your car’s settings. Some updates require the car to be plugged in. AS AVAILABLE · FREE

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Brake Dust Cleaning

EVs accumulate less brake dust, but rotors can rust from inuse. Occasionally use the friction brakes intentionally (gentle stops) to keep rotors clean and corrosion-free. ONGOING BASED ON DRIVING HABITS · FREE

You’re in the final straightaway! REMEMBER? 1 US gallon of gasoline  =  33.7 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy Don’t forget to check out our tutorial about optimizing EV efficiency.

Charging Port Care

Keep the port cover closed when not in use. Periodically check for debris or corrosion. Most ports are self-latching; do not force-remove stuck handles. MONTHLY CHECK · FREE

Coolant Level Check

On most EVs, you can visually check the coolant reservoir level without opening anything. Only top up if clearly below MIN, using the exact spec fluid from your owner’s manual. ANNUALLY · PROCEED WITH CAUTION

If you have any doubt, leave it to the pros especially the following: High-voltage battery servicing, inverter/motor work thermal system flushes, brake fluid bleeds, and any repair requiring orange cable disconnection. The main battery pack operates at 400–800V DC — this is lethal.

Well done! You may be still learning but definitely on your way to optimizing your EV experience.

Interested in learning about EV efficiency?

Here’s a sample of what offered in the PLUGGED IN RIDE EV Efficiency tutorial:

Constant / Conversion	Value
1 gallon gasoline (energy)	33.7 kWh (33.705 kWh precise)
MPGe → mi/kWh	Divide MPGe by 33.7
mi/kWh → MPGe	Multiply mi/kWh by 33.7
Cost/mile (EV)	Electricity rate ($/kWh) ÷ mi/kWh
Cost/mile (gas)	Gas price ($/gal) ÷ MPG
Annual fuel cost	Cost/mile × annual miles
1 kWh	3,412 BTU
EPA test cycle blend	55% city / 45% highway

As well as useful tips

Summary Formulae to Remember:  EV Cost/Mile = Rate ÷ Efficiency   MPGe = mi/kWh × 33.7   Savings = (Gas $/mi − EV $/mi) × Annual Miles