Published on March 29th 2022
Is your first electric vehicle service fast approaching? Considering leasing or purchasing an EV and want to better understand the maintenance requirements first? Either way, we've got you covered.
Read on for our EV service FAQ's, plus go behind-the-scenes as a local mechanic performs the first service on a Kia e-Niro.
Here's to a smooth ride for the next 10,000 miles!
Your EV questions answered
- When do I need to get my EV serviced?
Different manufactures have different schedules; most are 12 or 18 months and every 10,000 or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first, mileage or time.) Check your owner's manual for details.
- Can I get my car serviced in Orkney?
Yes. You can take your EV to a non-dealer mechanic as long as they follow the guidelines in your owner's manual and are an approved “HEVRA” garage.
- What does HEVRA stand for?
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Repair Alliance. HEVRA-certified garages have the qualifications and tools necessary to service your electric vehicle.
- What HEVRA-certified garages are there in Orkney?
C S Omand in Stromness and J & W Tait Ltd in Kirkwall have trained EV technicians.
- Won’t this impact my warranty?
No. Thanks to the EV Block Exemption Regulation introduced in 2003 you can have your car serviced and repaired during the warranty period. The only time your EV is REQUIRED to go back to a main dealer is for recalls or warranty work.
- What is the average length of time for an EV service?
Around an hour and a half.
- What are the estimated costs for a 10,000-mile EV service?
Service charges vary widely depending on garage and will depend on what needs done. The service in the video above--at a non-dealer garage with addition of a brake strip down--cost £121.
- Is the service cost covered in my ReFLEX Support Package?
No this is not included in the ReFLEX Support Package. However this may be covered in your contract with DriveElectric, depending on whether you chose the maintenance option (optional extra) when you took out your lease.
- How do EV service costs compare to Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles?
An ICE service would be a lot more expensive, accounting for oil and filter changes, cambelt replacement, spark plugs, etc. Basically, there is a lot less to check in an EV.
- What specific care is needed for cars in Orkney?
Salt air is the enemy of all vehicles in Orkney, and EV brake binding or rust build up can occur more easily on an island. That is why it is essential that you get your car serviced as per manufacturer guidance. Like Jonathan opted for in the video above, a brake strip down may also be a good idea even if not recommended by the manufacturer.
Have another question or interested in leasing or buying an electric vehicle? Contact our customer team, and they'll be happy to help.
