Electric vehicles (EVs) are more prominent in Australia than ever, thanks to their lower running costs, smooth driving experience and environmental appeal. But one of the most frequent questions from new EV drivers is around servicing. How is it different? How much does it cost compared to a non-electric car?
Our guide aims to help new or potential EV owners understand how electric car servicing works, how it compares to servicing a petrol or diesel vehicle, and how a novated lease can make it even simpler.
What is Electric Car Servicing?
An electric car service still involves routine maintenance, but not in the same way as petrol or diesel internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. While there’s no typical car components to check such as engine oil and spark plugs, EVs still require maintenance checks to stay in good condition and maintain roadworthiness and safety for both driver and passenger.
A standard electric vehicle service can often include:
Inspection of tyre rotation, suspension and brakes
Checking and replacing cabin air filters
Brake fluid replacement as needed
Battery coolant level check
Charging port and cable inspection
Software updates and system diagnostics checks
Because EVs have significantly fewer moving parts, there's less mechanical wear and tear overall. However, a schedule with consistent service intervals is still essential to catch faults early, keep the battery system healthy, and maintain warranty coverage.
What Makes an EV Service Different?
What sets an EV service apart from a regular service for ICE vehicles is the type of maintenance being done. The work done at a service centre focuses more on electronics and battery systems than on mechanical repairs.
The main differences in servicing electric vehicles include:
No oil changes: There’s no internal combustion engine, so no need for oil or fuel system maintenance.
Brakes last longer: Thanks to regenerative braking, EVs put less strain on brake pads, meaning they wear out more slowly.
Software matters: Many EVs require software checks or updates to keep the systems running properly.
Battery cooling: The main battery pack includes a cooling system that needs periodic checks to avoid overheating.
Charging equipment: The charging port and cable need to be inspected to ensure safe and reliable use.
Professional servicing is still very important for any and all EV models, especially as EV-specific parts and systems require certified technicians trained in electric vehicles.
Electric Vehicle Servicing Costs Explained
One of the biggest draws of switching to an electric vehicle is the reduced maintenance costs compared to traditional petrol or diesel cars. But many drivers still want to know how much it costs to service an electric car.
In general, electric vehicle servicing costs are lower because there are fewer components that need regular attention. Electric cars don’t require oil changes, spark plug replacements or fuel system repairs, and their electric motors have far fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines.
Most car manufacturers schedule servicing for electric vehicles once every 12 months or around every 15,000 kilometres, and detailed pricing depends on the brand and model of the EV in question. Some brands offer capped-price servicing, which helps provide cost certainty over the life of the lease or vehicle.
While unexpected repairs can still happen, particularly with older models or battery-related issues, most EV drivers will find that their ongoing electric vehicle servicing costs are manageable. This becomes even better when included as part of a novated lease.
EV Servicing with a Novated Lease
One of the easiest ways to manage electric car servicing is through a novated lease with Easi. Rather than paying for each service out of pocket, all servicing costs are included in your regular lease payments, meaning no budgeting stress or bill surprises.
Easi helps with:
Booking services through trusted, EV-ready mechanics
Covering the cost as part of your lease
Keeping your vehicle on schedule with automatic reminders
It’s the same peace of mind you’d get with a traditional car lease — but with fewer moving parts and lower ongoing costs. Whether you’re driving a compact city EV or a family-sized electric SUV, your EV service is handled as part of your package.
Keep EV Servicing Simple with Easi
As EVs continue to grow in popularity, knowing what goes into an electric car service and what it costs helps you make an informed decision. While there are fewer parts to look after, EVs still require attention to keep them safe, reliable, and efficient.
With Easi, you can drive an electric vehicle with all the running costs built into your novated lease. That means no extra admin, no unexpected charges, and complete control over your vehicle budget.
If you’re thinking about switching to an EV, talk to us about how to include electric car servicing in your next novated lease.
