EVs cost significantly less to service than petrol cars. The reason is simple: most of the things that wear out in a petrol engine don’t exist in an electric one.
What you no longer pay for
- Oil and oil filter changes (typically $150–300/year in a petrol car)
- Transmission fluid
- Timing belt or chain replacement
- Spark plugs
- Exhaust system repairs
- Much less brake wear — regenerative braking handles most slowing, so pads and rotors last far longer
What you do pay for
Annual log book service: ~$200–400
Most EV manufacturers require an annual inspection to maintain your warranty. It’s mostly a visual check, safety inspection, software update, and cabin air filter — not the labour-intensive service a petrol car needs. BYD, MG, and Tesla tend to be at the cheaper end. European brands (BMW, Volvo, Mercedes EVs) often charge more even for their electric models.
Tyres: $800–1,500 per set
This is the one area where EVs can cost more. They’re heavier than equivalent petrol cars and have instant torque, which accelerates tyre wear. Expect to replace tyres every 30,000–50,000km depending on your driving style and the car. Some high-performance EVs are harder on front tyres in particular.
Brake fluid: ~$100 every 2 years
Brake fluid still needs changing periodically (it absorbs moisture over time), though less urgently given how little the brakes are actually used.
Cabin air filter: ~$50–100
Cheap and infrequent. Change it every 2 years or so.
Wiper blades, washer fluid, etc.
Same as any car.
The battery
Almost every EV sold in Australia comes with an 8-year / 160,000km battery warranty guaranteeing at least 70% of original capacity. If the battery degrades beyond that within the warranty period, the manufacturer replaces it at no cost.
Outside warranty, full battery replacement costs $15,000–30,000+ depending on the vehicle. This is rarely needed — real-world data shows modern EV batteries degrading very slowly, with most retaining over 80% capacity after 200,000km.
Real-world cost comparison
A typical petrol car costs $1,500–3,000/year in servicing and maintenance. An EV in equivalent use costs roughly $500–1,000/year. Over five years, that’s a meaningful difference — often $5,000–10,000 saved — on top of lower fuel costs.
