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Maintaining and insuring an electric vehicle

How to keep your EV in perfect shape

Ask any electric vehicle (EV) driver what they love about their car most and they'll always boast about the lack of maintenance it requires. Very simply, because an EV replaces an internal combustion engine and transmission with one or two simple motors and a large battery, it has far fewer moving, mechanical parts and so it needs much less maintenance.

Don't be fooled into thinking that an EV doesn't need any care or attention, though. While your servicing bills will definitely be much lower, there are still some critical things you'll need to keep an eye on.

basic maintenance of an EV

EV maintenance

The battery is the most important – and expensive – part of your EV. The cost of a replacement battery varies by model and manufacturer, but most EVs come with between 5 and 8 years’ or a 160,000 km warranty. And don't forget about brakes, tires and fluids that still need to be checked from time-to-time, as well as insurance.

These simple tips could help the battery last a lot longer.

  • Avoid extreme temperatures: Extreme hot and cold temperatures will affect your battery life, so wherever possible, try to park your EV out of direct sunlight and extreme heat or cold.

    Day-to-day charging: Try to keep your battery charge no higher than 80% and no lower than 20%. Some manufacturers also warn against using fast charging (Level 3) too often as it can dramatically heat up the battery.

    Don't leave your battery at 100%: You can charge your battery up to 100% for a long trip, but it's best not to do this the day before and then leave it sitting overnight. Instead, charge it to 80% and then make up the last 20% right before you set off. Some EVs will have timing software to help you do this automatically. It's a good idea to charge your EV up to 100% every 3 months – but make sure you drive it right after.

    Don't leave your battery at 0%: Conversely, don't leave your EV with a completely flat battery as it needs power even if it's not driving. A parked EV can lose about 1% of its battery power every day. If you're going on vacation, charge your EV with enough power to get you to and from the airport, and to sit for the number of days you're away.

    Slow down: The harder you drive, the more strain you put on your battery. Just like a gas-powered vehicle, if you drive at a consistent, sensible speed, you'll get more range.

  • Brake pads: Your EV's regenerative braking system takes the kinetic energy from slowing down and converts it into electricity. This means you'll use your regular brakes much less – but you still need to check your pads or discs regularly.

    Tires: Instant EV acceleration is highly addictive, but it takes a toll on your tires, as does your EV's substantial weight. Try not to race off the traffic lights and keep an eye on your tread and tire pressures. You could also consider switching to some of the EV-specific tires that are available.

    Fluids: We've already seen how important your battery is, so your battery coolant levels need to be maintained, along with brake and washer fluid.

EV insurance

Insurance is calculated exactly the same way for an EV as it is for a gas-powered vehicle. It's all about the claims history for your particular model, along with your no claims status, age, gender, postal code, vehicle usage and safety features.

The location of your battery can also be a factor since some batteries are better protected than others. But overall, your insurance should be comparable to an equivalent gas-powered vehicle, since while EVs are more expensive vehicles to purchase, they generally generate fewer claims.

Calculate fuel savings

There's a lot to think about when trying to calculate the actual cost difference between running an EV versus your current gas-powered vehicle. Try our cost calculator to get a quick idea of what your fuel savings might be. 

Calculate your savings

Related content

EV incentives in B.C.

Learn about it

Charging and your BC Hydro bill

Get the facts

EV charger rebates for single-family homes

Apply now

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Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350. 

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 
Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

If installed at an apartment/condo or workplace, this networked charger may be eligible for a rebate. 

Rebates for apartments/condos

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $1,400 to $2,000 per charger.

Rebate amounts vary depending on factors such as whether or not the building is participating in other EV Ready rebates.

Rebates for workplaces

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $2,000 per charger.

Pre-approval from BC Hydro is required for apartment/condo and workplace customers. Program maximums apply.

Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350.

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 

Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

Features

Load management: Allows multiple EV chargers to share the same electrical circuit, allowing the charging power to be distributed across each charger.

Networked: A networked charging station that is connected to a central system via internet communication such as open protocol (e.g. OCPP, OpenADR or other) or a proprietary system (must be connected to a network for minimum of two years).

Multiple ports: Allows multiple vehicles to charge at the same time.

CSA Certification: Tested and certified electric vehicle charging and components by CSA Group. 

cETL Certification: Compliant with North American safety standards and tested/certified by Intertek.

cUL Certification: Compliant with Canadian safety standards by UL Canada.

Breaker Current

Every circuit breaker has specified amperage (amount of current). The rating is the labelled on the breaker. Understanding your electrical service and panel is important in determining the type of EV charger you can support.

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