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Tetyana Yermolenko
Correspondent
What you need to know about electric car maintenance in 2025?
The world of cars is changing rapidly, and electric cars are becoming more accessible and popular. In Ukraine, the number of drivers who prefer clean, quiet and efficient transport is increasing. As of September 2025, more than 190 thousand electric cars were registered in Ukraine. And if you believe the forecasts, by the end of the year the number of electric cars may reach 225 thousand units.
However, owning an electric car is not only about comfort and fuel economy, but also about the need for proper care and timely maintenance. Read about the main nuances that owners of electric cars should know on the Delo.ua portal – an online publication about business, economics and technology.
Electric vehicle maintenance: what you need to know?
Unlike traditional cars with an internal combustion engine (ICE), electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, reducing the risk of breakdowns and the need for expensive repairs. However, they still require regular maintenance and have their own specific maintenance requirements.
- Checking the condition of the battery and charging system is the most critical component, requiring monitoring of charge level, temperature, and charging efficiency.
- Software updates and diagnostics of electronic systems – electric vehicles are much more dependent on software that is regularly updated by manufacturers.
- Check the brake system and fluids (cooling, brake fluid) – although electric cars use regenerative braking, traditional brakes and the battery cooling system need attention.
- Check tires and suspension – electric vehicles are often heavier due to the battery, which can accelerate wear on these components.
- Monitoring high-voltage connections and insulation is a specific requirement for the safe operation of an electrical system.
Proper maintenance of electric vehicles ensures stable operation and a long service life, and also helps to avoid unexpected costs in the future. Most procedures can be performed less frequently than in traditional cars, but the importance of quality diagnostics still plays a role.
How much does it cost to maintain an electric car?
In fact, maintaining an electric car is much cheaper than a car with a gasoline or diesel engine. The main costs are formed by several factors.
- Periodic inspection and replacement of brake fluid, coolants and tires. The cost of such work at service centers is approximately UAH 1,500–3,000 per year , depending on the model and region.
- Battery diagnostics and maintenance. Prices here can range from 2,000 to 10,000 UAH for a scheduled inspection or replacement of individual modules, depending on the manufacturer and mileage of the car.
- Software updates and electronics service. Many manufacturers offer wireless updates, but if physical intervention is required, the cost of services is approximately UAH 1,000–2,500 per visit.
On average, the owner can expect 30–50% lower costs compared to a traditional car. Of course, it all depends on the brand, model, and intensity of use, but the trend is obvious: electric cars in Ukraine are becoming not only an ecological but also an economical solution.
Practical tips for savings and durability
By following simple operating rules, the owner of an electric vehicle will be able to maximize mileage on a single charge and minimize maintenance costs.
Smart charging is the foundation of battery longevity
It is on the correct handling of the battery that both the economy of operation and the service life of the car depend. The golden rule of electric car owners: avoid extremes. Do not discharge the battery to zero and do not charge it to 100% every day. The optimal charge level for everyday use ranges between 20% and 80%.
Fast DC charging is convenient when traveling, but for everyday use, it is better to choose slow charging at home. Since lithium-ion batteries do not like heat, plan charging for a cool time of day. This is the advantage of “night” charging: the battery will have time to cool down before the morning trip, which has a positive effect on its resource.
Temperature regime – an invisible factor of savings
Electric cars are more sensitive to temperature than traditional cars. In winter, the range can be reduced by 20-30%, and in summer, the air conditioning is activated, which also consumes energy. Therefore, it would be a prudent decision to pre-condition the interior during charging. Most modern electric cars allow you to set a comfortable temperature before the start of the trip, using energy from the network, not from the battery.
In winter, do not rush to warm up at maximum power. Electronic temperature control systems work more effectively when they heat the interior gradually.
A driving style that saves kilowatts
An electric vehicle offers the unique opportunity to recover some of the energy through regenerative braking. Learn to use this feature to its maximum effect. Smooth deceleration without using the brake pedal not only saves energy, but also reduces wear on the brake pads.
But for such a luxury as sharp acceleration, you will have to pay with a reduced range. Smooth driving and anticipation of the road situation will help you squeeze the maximum number of kilometers from each charge. Use eco-driving modes that limit power and optimize the operation of auxiliary systems.
Undercarriage and tire care
Electric vehicles are typically heavier than their petrol counterparts due to the weight of the battery pack, which places additional strain on the suspension and tires. Regular tire pressure checks become even more important, as under-inflation can increase energy consumption by 5-10%.
Even the geometry of the wheels in this case matters. Incorrect camber-toe accelerates tire wear, and at the same time forces the electric motor to overcome additional resistance. And this reduces the range. Therefore, it is better to carry out diagnostics every 15-20 thousand kilometers or when signs of uneven tread wear appear.
Software for economical use
Modern electric cars are essentially computers on wheels, and their software is constantly being improved. Regular updates can improve battery efficiency, optimize recuperation algorithms, and even increase power.
Explore your electric vehicle’s mobile app. Most manufacturers provide detailed consumption statistics, trip history, and optimization recommendations. This information can help you identify driving habits that are negatively impacting your fuel economy.
Route planning and infrastructure
Effective use of an electric car (and any car) is impossible without strategic thinking. Plan routes taking into account the location of charging stations, especially for long trips. Modern navigation systems automatically take into account the charge level and suggest optimal charging points.
But installing a home charging station is an investment that pays for itself within the first year of operation. Charging at home is always cheaper than commercial stations, especially if you use the night tariff. Plus, you always start the day with a fully charged battery.
Proper care and timely maintenance of electric vehicles make them reliable, safe and economical. In fact, it is these habits that turn owning an electric vehicle into a real pleasure: without surprises and unnecessary expenses.
