As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, various financing options like EV salary sacrifice schemes—which often include maintenance packages—are making them increasingly accessible. However, the question of maintenance costs still looms large for many prospective EV owners. While it’s clear that electric vehicles offer advantages in terms of environmental impact and running costs, what can you expect to keep them in prime condition? This article aims to demystify the maintenance costs associated with owning an electric vehicle, giving you the comprehensive insights you need to make an informed decision.
Breaking Down The Parts
One of the most straightforward ways to understand electric vehicle maintenance costs is by breaking down the components that require regular upkeep. The most significant elements in this
regard are the battery, the electric motor, and the brakes.
- Battery: The heart of an electric car is its battery. While the lifespan of an EV battery is generally quite long, eventual degradation is inevitable. However, compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle with over 2,000 moving parts, the electric motor’s simplicity offers less room for wear and tear.
- Electric Motor: Unlike traditional ICE vehicles that require oil changes, air filters and regular tune-ups, an electric motor is relatively low maintenance.
- Brakes: Regenerative braking systems in EVs also reduce wear on brake pads, making them last longer than those in ICE vehicles.
According to a recent Fleet News article, the servicing costs for electric vehicles can be up to 33% cheaper than their ICE counterparts. This data showcases the economic benefits that can often be bundled into EV salary sacrifice schemes, which frequently include maintenance packages.
The Long-Term View
When considering any vehicle purchase or lease, it is essential to look at long-term costs, not just the upfront price tag. For electric vehicles, this long-term view is particularly favourable.
Initial apprehensions about battery replacements have been mitigated by warranties, often lasting up to 8 years. Additionally, as technology advances, the cost of batteries continues to drop.
Over the lifespan of an electric vehicle, the maintenance costs consistently remain lower compared to ICE vehicles. Not only are servicing costs cheaper, but the absence of oil changes, exhaust repairs and fewer brake replacements contribute to long-term savings.
This long-term perspective further enhances the financial attractiveness of EV salary sacrifice schemes. Such packages often cover not just the cost of the vehicle but also include long-term maintenance, thereby offering a more comprehensive, cost-effective solution for drivers.
Salary Sacrifice Schemes: A Win-Win Solution
Salary sacrifice schemes offer a beneficial avenue for employees when it comes to managing the maintenance costs of electric vehicles. These schemes allow employees to give up a portion of their pre-tax salary in exchange for a new electric car, thus saving on income tax and national insurance contributions – often up to 60% off their monthly lease. One of the more compelling aspects of these schemes is that they often include the cost of maintenance within the package.
Including maintenance costs in EV salary sacrifice schemes provides predictability and peace of mind that can significantly alleviate concerns over unexpected expenses. On top of that, the income tax and national insurance savings that come with these schemes often counterbalance any maintenance costs you might otherwise incur.
This makes salary sacrifice schemes an even more attractive option for those weighing the pros and cons of EV ownership versus traditional vehicles regarding long-term cost-effectiveness.
The Final Verdict
Although electric vehicles present unique maintenance costs for new drivers to consider, the long-term financial equation is increasingly tipping in their favour. This advantage is further magnified when one considers the cost-alleviating benefits of salary sacrifice schemes. Opting for an EV, therefore, isn’t just an eco-conscious choice – it’s a financially savvy one as well.
