EV maintenance vs. gas and diesel vehicle maintenance is a major talking point with enthusiasts touting the potential savings for fleets going electric – as much as 50% – depending on to whom you’re listening.

This article explores the key differences in maintenance needs and costs, focusing on the unique advantages and challenges EVs bring.

Scheduled Maintenance

Since an internal combustion engine features a series of fast, controlled explosions channeled into mechanical power, the complexity of the moving parts coupled with vibrations makes regular maintenance essential to avoid mechanical issues.

Electric vehicles, by contrast, operate with more mechanical simplicity.

At their core, EVs use electric motors to drive the wheels, eliminating many of the moving parts found in ICE vehicles. For example, RIZON trucks don’t even use traditional drive propeller shafts.

This simplicity reduces the likelihood of mechanical failure and slashes maintenance needs. EVs don’t require routine oil changes, valve train adjustments, new spark plugs, or fuel system servicing, making scheduled maintenance both quicker and less frequent.

No Oil Changes

Fleets utilizing electric vehicles don’t need to schedule preventative maintenance around oil and filter changes as ICE vehicles do. EV maintenance checks are quicker and less regular.

Durable Brakes

EVs have regenerative brakes which slows the vehicle without relying heavily on traditional brakes, which means brake pads and rotors last much longer requiring reduced schedule service to replace brake fluid.

Tire Maintenance

EVs like RIZON have instant torque, which can cause greater tire wear. Therefore, tires should be rotated more frequently, and the air pressure should be more closely monitored.

This is one instance where EVs bear a higher maintenance cost and require more frequent attention.

Common Maintenance Needs Across All Vehicles

While EVs differ from gas and diesel vehicles, they still feature common components that need maintenance. These include headlights and taillights, HVAC systems, windshield wiper blades, and interior bulbs.

EV Maintenance Cost vs. Gas and Diesel

While maintenance differs depending on the vehicle, use case and driver behavior, the U.S. Department of Energy compared the cost of maintenance per mile across different drive technologies among the light-duty segment.

The study calculated scheduled maintenance costs for ICE vehicles to average 10.1 cents (USD) per mile, while EVs averaged just 6.1 cents (USD) per mile, which is nearly a 40% difference.

That means an ICE vehicle that has driven 30,000 miles would accrue $3,030 in scheduled maintenance costs compared to $1,830. Calculated for a 20-vehicle fleet, the disparity widens to $36,600 for EVs and $60,600 for ICE vehicles, a whopping $24,000.

EV Battery Maintenance: Addressing Concerns

Of course, one of the most critical components of an electric vehicle is the high-voltage battery pack. It’s a fact that batteries lose their capacity over time. This is considered normal wear and tear.

EV Batteries Under Warranty

Batteries are considered at the end of life when they approach 70% of their original capacity. If a battery degrades at an unexpectedly fast rate, it will typically be protected by the provisions of the warranty package.

For its part, RIZON’s batteries come with an 8-year/185,000-mile warranty for model-year 2025 vehicles. Therefore, our vehicles are protected against excessive capacity loss provided that the batteries are not damaged due to improper care.

Different Technology

EVs have inherently different features that require special attention. They have more electronic control modules (ECMs), a larger amount of coolant, and a powerful AC system to regulate the temperature of electronic components and require special tools for servicing.

While these complexities require attention, it’s not something fleet managers need to fear. It simply requires consultation with your service provider and getting used to a different approach.

Streamlined EV Maintenance

Electric vehicle maintenance isn’t just different—it’s typically a more streamlined approach to fleet care. With fewer moving parts, no oil changes, longer-lasting brakes, and lower maintenance costs per mile, EVs like RIZON trucks deliver benefits that reduce downtime and simplify operations.

While electric vehicles require considerations like tire wear and specialized components demand attention, these are balanced by the advanced warranties and engineering that make modern EVs both reliable and cost-effective.

For new EV owners and fleet managers who make the switch to electric may find themselves pleasantly surprised by long-term maintenance savings, efficiency, and reduced downtime.

For tips on how to begin electrifying your fleet, check out our handy fleet electrification guide.