Electric/Hybrid VEHICLES
Electric (EV) or hybrid vehicle owners are no longer restricted to the more expensive main dealer servicing. In the past, safety concerns and a shortfall of qualified technicians at independent garages left motorists with no alternative options. Thankfully, this is no longer the case, with an increased number of independents choosing to embrace and specialise in the electric and hybrid vehicle revolution.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU NEED TO SERVICE A HYBRID CAR?
Most hybrid cars do not require specific regular maintenance on the hybrid system. However, one exception is the Ford Escape hybrid. On this particular vehicle the air filter on it’s electric battery system should be replaced every 40,000 to 50,000 miles.
DOES “HYBRID” CAR MEAN ELECTRIC CAR?
A hybrid vehicle is one that combines a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor. The main advantages of hybrid are that it should generally consume less fuel and emit less CO2 carbon emissions than a conventional petrol or diesel-engine vehicle. So it’s a combination of electric and “normal” engine.
HOW DO YOU SERVICE A HYBRID OR ELECTRIC CAR?
Here are the key things that you should note.
The maintenance costs are similar to a traditionally powered car.
Always check the required oil change interval.
Expect longer life on brake pads.
Hybrid and Electric vehicles use a much higher voltage than traditional cars so cooling is key.
No need to worry about the battery.
Ensure that the technician is qualified or experienced with hybrid vehicles.
WHICH IS BETTER, HYBRID OR ELECTRIC VEHICLE?
The main benefit or “selling point” of EV is that they benefit the environment more than plug-in hybrid vehicles, as they do not use any fuel at all. Also, electric vehicles will generally save the motorist more money than plug-in hybrids do because they don't use any fuel. Electric Vehicles offer a longer electric-only range than plug-in hybrid cars.