Electric car servicing, tyres and repairs: what they really cost
Electric cars are cheaper to maintain than petrol and diesel cars in most ways. There is no oil to change, no clutch, cambelt, exhaust or DPF to replace, and regenerative braking means pads and discs last much longer. But some costs are higher: tyres wear faster and cost more, repairs after an accident are pricier, and insurance usually costs a bit more.
This guide breaks down what an EV costs to keep on the road, beyond charging.
Last updated 27 October 2026. Figures come from Epyx, MoneySuperMarket and Bumper (see the sources at the end).
Key takeaways
- EV servicing is usually simpler and cheaper, but still needed for brake fluid, cabin filters, coolant and safety checks.
- Fleet data from Epyx found EV tyres were first replaced at about 17,985 miles, against 24,335 for petrol and diesel cars.
- The average replacement EV tyre cost £207, against £130 for petrol and diesel cars.
- Brake pads last longer, but discs can corrode from lack of use.
- A weak 12V battery is one of the most common causes of EV breakdowns.
- EV insurance averaged around £562 in early 2026, against around £487 for petrol, according to MoneySuperMarket.
In this guide
- Do electric cars need servicing?
- Why do EV tyres wear faster?
- Brakes: longer life, but watch for corrosion
- The 12V battery
- Insurance and accident repairs
- What about the main battery?
- EV vs petrol maintenance at a glance
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources and further reading
Do electric cars need servicing?
Yes. An EV has far fewer moving parts, but it still needs regular checks. Most manufacturers recommend a service every one or two years, or at a set mileage. A typical EV service covers:
- Brake fluid, which absorbs moisture over time
- Cabin air filter
- Coolant for the battery and motor cooling system, at longer intervals
- Brakes, including checking discs for corrosion
- Tyres, steering and suspension
- Wipers, lights and the 12V battery
- Software updates and a check of the high-voltage system
What you won’t pay for: oil and oil filters, spark plugs, fuel filters, cambelts, clutches, exhausts and DPFs. That is why EV servicing is usually cheaper than for an equivalent petrol car.
One catch: not every independent garage is trained to work on high-voltage systems, so you may need a main dealer or an EV specialist, and main dealer labour rates are higher. Keeping a full service history also protects your warranty. See how often you should service your car.
Why do EV tyres wear faster?
EVs are heavier than equivalent petrol cars because of the battery, and electric motors deliver all their torque instantly. Both put more strain on the tyres.
Fleet data from Epyx shows the effect. The first tyre change on EVs happened at an average of 17,985 miles, against 24,641 for hybrids and 24,335 for petrol and diesel cars. EV tyres were also bigger and dearer: the average replacement cost £207, against £130 for petrol and diesel cars. Epyx cautions that fleet EVs tend to be larger models, which may exaggerate the gap.
To make EV tyres last longer:
- Check pressures every couple of weeks and keep them at the recommended level
- Use the correct load rating, and EV-specific tyres where the manufacturer recommends them
- Get the wheel alignment checked if you see uneven wear
- Rotate the tyres if your manufacturer recommends it
- Accelerate smoothly
Brakes: longer life, but watch for corrosion
Regenerative braking uses the motor to slow the car and put energy back into the battery, so the friction brakes do much less work. Pads and discs often last far longer than on a petrol car.
The downside is that discs that are rarely used can rust and pit, especially in a wet UK winter. Corroded discs can lead to MOT advisories, noise and reduced braking. Using the brakes firmly now and then, where it is safe, helps keep them clean. If replacement is needed, see brake pad and disc replacement costs.
The 12V battery
Every EV has a small 12V battery that powers the locks, screens and computers, and wakes up the high-voltage system. If it goes flat, the car won’t start, even with a fully charged main battery. It is one of the most common EV faults, and some models have had known 12V problems.
Replacement is usually a routine job, but check the warranty: it is often much shorter than the main battery’s. Breakdown cover is worth having for exactly this sort of problem. See Rooster breakdown cover.
Insurance and accident repairs
EVs usually cost more to insure. MoneySuperMarket’s index put the average EV premium at around £562 in early 2026, against around £487 for petrol cars. The main reasons are higher repair costs: batteries are expensive, specialist parts and labour are in shorter supply, and repairs take longer.
Even minor damage near the battery can be costly, and some EVs are written off after accidents that would be repaired on a petrol car. Our guide to electric car insurance explains how to keep premiums down.
What about the main battery?
Major battery repairs are rare, and most are covered by warranties of eight years or 100,000 miles. Outside warranty, Bumper estimates a full replacement typically costs £5,000 to £15,000 in the UK, although repairs to individual modules cost much less. See EV battery degradation.
EV vs petrol maintenance at a glance
| Item | Electric car | Petrol car |
| Oil and filter changes | Not needed | Every service |
| Cambelt, clutch, exhaust | Not fitted | Can be costly |
| Brake pads and discs | Last longer, discs can corrode | Normal wear |
| Tyres | Wear faster, cost more | Normal wear |
| 12V battery | Common failure point | Common failure point |
| MOT | From 3 years, no emissions test | From 3 years |
| Insurance | Usually a bit higher | Usually a bit lower |
Frequently asked questions
Are electric cars cheaper to maintain?
Generally yes. There is no oil, clutch, cambelt or exhaust, and brakes last longer. But tyres wear faster and cost more, and insurance is usually higher.
How often does an electric car need a service?
Usually every one to two years, depending on the manufacturer. Check your handbook.
Can any garage service an electric car?
Not all. Work on high-voltage systems needs specialist training, so use a main dealer or a garage with trained EV technicians.
Do electric cars need an MOT?
Yes, from three years old. There is no emissions test, but brakes, tyres, suspension, lights and other safety items are checked.
Why are EV tyres more expensive?
They are often larger, need a higher load rating for the extra weight, and are sometimes designed specifically for EVs to cut noise and rolling resistance.
Sources and further reading
- Fleet World: EV tyres wear out faster than ICE tyres, fleet data finds
- Zego: Electric car running costs in the UK (MoneySuperMarket insurance data)
- Honest John: Is now a good time to buy an electric car?
- Bumper: How much does an electric car battery cost?
- Fleet News: The real-world difficulties of setting EV SMR budgets
About this guide: Rooster is a UK car insurance provider. This guide is general information for UK drivers. Servicing schedules and costs vary by manufacturer and garage, so check your car’s handbook and get quotes.
Keeping your EV running costs down? Check your insurance too. Download Rooster and start saving.
