Are Electric Vehicles Cheaper to Maintain Than Gas Cars?

Yes, electric vehicles (EVs) are generally cheaper to maintain than gas-powered cars due to their simpler mechanical design and fewer moving parts. This results in less wear and tear, and less need for maintenance such as oil changes, spark plugs, and transmission flushes.

Overall, the lower maintenance costs and fuel costs associated with EVs can lead to significant long-term savings for owners, despite potential battery replacement costs and initial purchase price.

Here’s Why Electric Vehicle or Electric Car is Cheaper to Maintain Compared to Gas Cars

Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) can lead to substantial cost savings over time, with electric cars cheaper to maintain than their gasoline counterparts. Thanks to their simpler design and fewer moving parts, EVs generally require less maintenance and offer a more streamlined service interval.

Let’s see why electric vehicles are cheaper to maintain, focusing on the key reasons that make them more affordable to run and service.

Fewer Moving Parts

Electric vehicles are cheaper to maintain because they have a simpler drivetrain with fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engines (ICE). With fewer components like belts, hoses, and engine parts that wear out over time, there’s less that can break down, resulting in lower maintenance costs and fewer service intervals for EV drivers. This leads to a longer-lasting vehicle with fewer unexpected repair bills.

No Oil Changes

One of the biggest savings with electric vehicles is the elimination of oil changes. Unlike gasoline cars, which require regular oil changes to keep the engine running smoothly, EVs don’t have an internal combustion engine, so there’s no need for oil replacement. This not only reduces ongoing maintenance costs but also saves time spent at the mechanic, contributing to an overall cheaper to maintain experience.

No Spark Plugs or Transmission Flushes

With electric motors powering EVs, there’s no need for spark plugs, which can wear out in gasoline cars. Additionally, traditional gas vehicles require periodic transmission flushes to maintain performance, a service that’s unnecessary for EVs due to their simple drivetrain. This lack of complex components reduces maintenance costs per kilometre and lowers the total cost of ownership.

Reduced Brake Wear

Thanks to regenerative braking, EVs experience less brake wear compared to gasoline cars. This system uses the electric motor to slow the vehicle down, which not only extends the life of the brake pads but also improves energy efficiency. With less frequent brake pad replacements, EV drivers enjoy further savings of up to 70% on maintenance costs compared to their gas counterparts.

Lower Fuel Costs

Charging your car at home with an EV charger is far cheaper than regularly filling up a gas car. The cost of electric rates for charging is significantly lower than the cost of petrol, resulting in lower fuel costs. As a result, electric cars are not only cheaper to run, but they also offer significant savings on a daily basis, especially when combined with the decreasing cost of EV batteries and an increase in public charging stations.

Some Potential Downsides to Consider When Planning to Buy an Electric Vehicle

While they are cheaper to maintain than combustion engine vehicles, owning an electric vehicle does not come without trade-offs. Compared to petrol or diesel cars, EVs may involve higher upfront costs and unique considerations like charging access and battery longevity. It’s important to weigh these factors carefully before making the switch.

Battery Replacement

Battery electric vehicles rely on large lithium-ion battery packs, which can be costly to replace if they degrade significantly over time. While most EV batteries are designed to last for many years, degradation does occur, especially in harsh climates or under high usage. Although improvements in technology and vehicle battery warranties help, EV owners should factor in this potential long-term expense when assessing the cost of ownership.

• Cost of EV battery replacement in Australia can range from $6,000 to $20,000 depending on the model and battery size.
• Battery degradation typically reduces range over time, especially after 8–10 years of use.
• Most manufacturers offer 8-year or 160,000 km battery warranties, but lifespan can vary with usage habits.
• High-performance models (like Teslas) may incur higher battery replacement costs.
• Extreme temperatures and frequent DC fast charging can accelerate battery wear.

Charging Costs

Unlike filling a fuel tank, charging your EV can be more affordable—especially during off-peak hours—but it’s not always as cheap as it seems. The cost of charging varies depending on where you live, electricity rates, and whether you’re charging at home or using public stations. Additionally, charging at premium rapid-charging locations may add to ongoing service costs when EV compared to home charging.

• Charging at home during off-peak hours can cost as little as 20–30 cents per kWh in NSW.
• A full charge at home might cost between $10–$20 depending on your EV’s battery capacity and local rates.
• Public fast chargers often charge higher rates—up to 60 cents per kWh or more.
• Frequent use of commercial rapid-charging networks may significantly increase your cost of ownership.
• Installation of a home EV charger adds an upfront expense but can offer long-term convenience and savings.

Initial Purchase Price

Despite available rebates or the EV tax credit, the upfront purchase price for many battery electric vehicles remains higher than for internal combustion engine cars. This can make a combustion engine vehicle seem more appealing to price-sensitive buyers. However, as the Electric Vehicle Council notes, these upfront costs are expected to decrease as manufacturing scales up and more models enter the market.

• Entry-level EVs like the MG4 or BYD Dolphin start from around $39,000–$45,000 AUD.
• Mid-range models such as the Tesla Model 3 start from approximately $61,000 AUD before incentives.
• In comparison, a small petrol hatchback may start from under $25,000 AUD, making EVs seem less accessible upfront.

However, when considering fuel and maintenance savings over the life of the vehicle, EVs often come out cheaper overall. Buyers should also factor in the NSW government’s rebates, which can help offset some of the upfront cost.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Gas Cars and Electric Cars

Whether an electric vehicle is right for you depends on more than just sticker price. While EVs are generally cheaper to service and offer lower costs per 100 kilometres, a petrol car may still suit certain driving habits or locations better.

Ask yourself these important questions to decide if you’ll save money by owning an electric car in the long run.

How often do you drive long distances or take road trips?

If you frequently travel long distances or take road trips, a petrol car might still be more practical—especially in remote areas where charging stations are scarce. Although EV range has improved, especially with models like the Kona Electric or other Hyundai EVs, long-haul drivers should check charging infrastructure first.

• Petrol vehicles are still quicker to refuel per stop.
• Charging times vary based on station speed and vehicle.
• Regional or rural trips may need more planning with an EV.

Do you have access to EV charging at home or work?

Access to home or workplace charging makes owning an EV much more convenient and affordable. Charging at home during off-peak hours can significantly reduce running costs measured in cents per kilometre.

• No need to rely on public stations daily.
• Charging with renewable energy like solar boosts savings and lowers emissions.
• Without access, charging logistics may become frustrating.

What’s your budget for both the upfront cost and long-term savings?

While an electric vehicle in the long term is often cheaper to service and operate, the initial purchase price is usually higher than a similarly sized internal combustion engine vehicle. However, lower maintenance costs for electric cars and fuel savings of up to 70% over a five-year period can balance this out.

• EV version of cars may cost more upfront but save money per year on fuel and servicing.
• Consider used electric cars if budget is tight—some now qualify for rebates.
• Inflation Reduction Act-style incentives (in AU, various state rebates) help offset upfront costs.

How much do you currently spend on fuel and maintenance?

EVs are significantly cheaper to run compared to petrol cars. With no oil to change, fewer moving parts, and regenerative braking, EVs can dramatically cut maintenance costs and fuel bills.

• Typical running cost is measured in cents per 100 km, not per litre like petrol.
• EVs can save hundreds per year on fuel, especially with rising gas prices.
• Diagnostic system check and instrument warning lights are often simpler in EVs.

Is convenience important, such as the availability of charging stations?

EVs are growing in popularity, but charging station networks aren’t as widespread as petrol stations yet. If you’re someone who prioritises convenience, this could impact your decision.

• Urban areas have better charging coverage.
• Apps and maps can help locate available chargers.
• Consider if you’re willing to adjust habits during trips.

Are you looking for lower operating costs and fewer maintenance issues?

If saving money and avoiding frequent mechanic visits matters to you, an EV is a strong choice. With fewer parts, no oil to change, and no fuel tank or spark plugs, EVs offer a simpler ownership experience.

• Owning an EV means fewer scheduled services.
• Many EVs offer instant torque and a smoother drive.
• EVs run quietly and cleanly, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Are EVs Cheaper to Maintain?

Yes, electric vehicles (EVs) are generally cheaper to maintain than gasoline-powered cars due to their simpler design and fewer moving parts. They have no oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems, reducing the need for regular servicing. While EVs do require maintenance for tires, brakes, and batteries, these costs are often lower overall compared to gasoline car maintenance.

In addition to the lower maintenance costs, EVs benefit from fewer components that require regular servicing, such as no need for oil changes or exhaust system repairs. While battery replacement can be costly, warranties often cover this expense for many years. Overall, the reduced frequency of repairs and lower fuel costs contribute to electric vehicles being a more affordable option in the long run compared to gasoline-powered cars.

Ready to make the switch? Contact us today for professional residential and commercial EV charger installation in Sydney — reliable, fast, and fully compliant.

Call us at (02) 9100 0782 to schedule an installation!

FAQs

How do EV maintenance costs compare to gas cars over a 10-year period?

Over 10 years, EVs generally cost significantly less to maintain than petrol cars due to fewer moving parts and longer service intervals. Annual EV maintenance averages $300–$400, resulting in roughly $3,000–$4,000 over a decade, compared to higher costs for petrol cars requiring more frequent servicing and repairs.

Are there any hidden maintenance costs for EVs that gas cars don’t have?

EVs may have less obvious costs like battery coolant system maintenance and potential battery replacement, though batteries often last 10–20 years with warranties. Some models have costly repairs charged case-by-case, but overall, hidden costs are fewer than petrol cars’ frequent oil changes and engine repairs.

How does regenerative braking impact the overall maintenance costs of EVs?

Regenerative braking reduces wear on brake pads by using the electric motor to slow the car, significantly extending brake life and lowering brake replacement frequency and costs compared to petrol cars with traditional brakes.

What are the average maintenance costs for popular EV models?

Popular EVs like the Ford e-Transit have capped annual service costs around $195; Tesla’s maintenance varies but cabin filter replacement costs about $26; Volvo and Polestar offer free servicing packages for 5 years or 100,000–150,000 km, reducing maintenance expenses.

Do EVs require more frequent tyre rotations compared to gas cars?

EVs do not require more frequent tyre rotations than petrol cars, but because EVs are heavier due to batteries and have instant torque, tyres may wear faster. So, regular tyre maintenance is important—but not necessarily more frequent.