Maintenance of an electric car and a regular car - which is cheaper?

EV vs. Traditional Car Maintenance – Which is Cheaper?

The initial purchase price of a new compact electric vehicle (EV) remains higher than that of a gasoline or diesel car. However, EV owners often highlight the significantly lower energy costs compared to fuel expenses, making EVs the leader in operational savings. Still, a car requires more than just fuel or energy – insurance, maintenance, and other operational costs play a role.

Experts estimate that the average new car ownership period before resale is seven years. Driving 15,000 km annually, the total cost of owning and operating an EV over seven years could reach €45,000, compared to €47,000 for a gasoline car and €50,000 for a diesel car. But is this really true?

Energy/Fuel Costs

One of the key advantages of EVs is the low cost of energy. As of 2024, the average electricity price in Lithuania is €0.23/kWh. An average EV consumes about 15–20 kWh/100 km, costing only €3–4 to cover 100 km. In comparison, gasoline or diesel cars require 6–7 liters of fuel to travel the same distance. With an average fuel price of €1.50 per liter, the cost to drive 100 km is €10–12. How much does this add up to over seven years of driving 105,000 km (15,000 km annually)?

If you primarily drive short distances and can charge your car frequently, an EV may be an excellent choice due to lower energy costs. For those who regularly drive long distances for work, a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle might be more practical because of its greater range per refueling.

Maintenance and Repairs

The complexity of maintaining a vehicle is often directly proportional to the number of moving parts. A fully electric car contains only about 20 moving parts, reducing the need for maintenance as there are no complex transmission systems to service or replace. Additionally, some manufacturers offer free maintenance for several years.

In contrast, a conventional car has around 2,000 moving parts, requiring regular oil changes, fluid top-offs, filter replacements, and other maintenance, leading to higher expenses. Both EVs and ICE vehicles share some maintenance similarities, such as insurance requirements and regular tire pressure and condition checks, as well as brake and suspension system upkeep.

While maintenance requirements vary depending on a vehicle's age and model, it is evident that EVs incur lower maintenance costs.

Battery Replacement/Engine Repairs

Battery replacement costs for EVs are still significantly higher than engine repair costs for ICE vehicles. However, battery production technologies are advancing rapidly, promising lower battery prices and greater range over time, making EVs increasingly attractive economically and ecologically.

Considering long-term operational costs, EVs can become a more economical choice than traditional cars. This is especially true for those who drive short distances and can leverage home charging. Despite a higher upfront purchase price, EVs require less maintenance and are more environmentally friendly as they emit no exhaust gases. From an environmental perspective, EVs are superior to ICE vehicles.

Ultimately, the decision on which type of car to choose depends on individual needs, driving habits, and budget. While EVs still have certain drawbacks, their economic and ecological potential is steadily increasing their popularity.