Are Electric Cars Reliable?

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 preview

Electric cars used to be niche, expensive, and hard-to-find, but these days, EVs like the Volkswagen ID.4 are on the rise in St Louis and beyond! Whether you’re looking for a sleek two-door convertible, a full-size pickup truck, or anything in between, you should be able to find a new or used electric model from your favorite automaker. If you’re considering upgrading to electric power for the first time, you might be wondering about electric car reliability. 

How reliable are EVs compared to their gasoline counterparts? The short answer is that EVs tend to be easier to maintain than gasoline vehicles because they have fewer moving parts! The service team at Suntrup Volkswagen has more details on the reliability and maintenance costs of EVs in the guide below.

Are Electric Vehicles Cheaper to Maintain? 

Not only are EVs generally more reliable than gas-powered cars, but they’re also cheaper to maintain! While EVs tend to have higher sticker prices, the Yale Climate Connection determined that they’re also about 40% cheaper to maintain, so the costs even out. As we discussed above, EVs have far fewer parts under the hood than gas-powered vehicles, so you’ll no longer have to come in for the following services:

  • Oil changes 
  • Gasket replacements 
  • Belt replacements
  • Spark plugs
  • Cooling system flushes 
  • Engine air filters

What Maintenances Do Electric Vehicles Need? 

Just because EVs don’t require as much maintenance as gasoline-powered cars doesn’t mean they don’t require any maintenance at all. You should still come in for routine services as outlined in your owner’s manual. Here are the most important ways you can keep your EV running in top condition on the St Peters roads:

  • Take proper care of your battery as its charge capacity will shrink overtime and decrease your electric range.
  • You should also stay on top of wheel alignments and tire rotations since EVs are heavier than gasoline cars and put more strain on the wheels.
  • EVs don’t require motor oil, but they do need coolant, brake fluid, and windshield fluid.
  • Many EVs have over-the-air software updates, but you should stay on top of these to ensure that your vehicle keeps running as efficiently as possible.

Keep Your Electric Vehicle Running Smoothly at Suntrup Volkswagen!

If you have any further questions about EV reliability or maintenance, feel free to contact our office! You can also stop by our dealership to talk to a member of our team in person. We’re conveniently located near Webster and are happy to help you out and answer any questions.

 

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6014 S Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63123
Suntrup Volkswagen 38.5208643, -90.3438767.