Electric car repair bill 35% less than combustion car

Electric cars cost significantly less to repair than an equivalent petrol or diesel car, according to new research.

Maintenance and repairs for electric vehicles will be around 35 per cent less than a comparable petrol or diesel vehicle, according to a study conducted by the Institute for Automotive Research (IFA) at the Nürtingen–Geislingen University in southern Germany.

This is based on the cost of repairing a small car over a period of eight years with an annual mileage of 4,970 (8,000 km).

This resulted in an estimate that a diesel or petrol model would cost €3,650 (around £2,946) in maintenance and repair over that time while a battery-powered equivalent would cost €2,350 (about £1,897)only.

Savings stem from the more simply drivetrain of an EV, meaning no need for oil changes or replacement exhaust systems for example.

Although electric cars cost more to buy in the first place than their combustion equivalents, it is hoped that the low running costs of around 2 pence per mile in electricity, coupled with this low repair costs will encourage motorists to overlook the initial additional outlay.

About Faye Sunderland

Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.

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