oleh admin | Mar 20, 2025 | autos, battery electric vehicles, cars, driving, electric cars
Renault is adopting the neo-retro approach for its latest urban vehicle and is resurrecting a iconic title. The “R5” serves as an excellent homage to the model I recall from my youth. However, this time around, it’s electrified… Time to put it through its paces!
Creating fresh designs with nuanced nods to history has become the go-to strategy for certain brands. Renault is now embracing this approach. The Renault 5 exemplifies this trend quite successfully. Before my eyes sits a contemporary yellow vehicle, yet it evokes memories of the classic R5—particularly the sloping rear window framed by vertical headlights. To aid these recollections, a tiny plaque inside the compartment behind the driver’s seat displays outlines representing various iterations of the Renault 5 lineage. Indeed, this automobile exhibits strong familial ties; despite being shorter than a Clio at just under four meters in length. Nonetheless, the all-new Renault 5 E-Tech gazes firmly into tomorrow as an entirely electric model. During testing, I drove the “Comfort Range” variant equipped with a 52-kWh battery delivering 150 horsepower (or 110 kilowatts) producing 245 Newton-meters of torque. This sums up our introduction.
Small, but…
Aboard, the ambiance is remarkable! The Iconic Five finish stands out significantly, particularly the seats which echo those seen in the legendary R5 Turbo. Two 10-inch curved displays sit gracefully upon a dashboard styled with a distinct ’70s flair. Notable among these tributes is a motif inspired by the grille of an older Renault 5 located on the center console alongside features like the wireless phone charger and USB-C ports, along with what we traditionally refer to as the ashtray.
The R5 2025 does not come equipped with a manual gearshift (as expected). Instead, you’ll find the R-N-D selector positioned towards the right side beneath the steering wheel. After your journey concludes, simply press the power button situated on the dash between the dual screens rather than using ‘P’. Above the control lever for windscreen wipers lies another stick dedicated to managing infotainment functions — this places more demand on the driver’s dominant hand. Additional function keys adorn the steering wheel itself; specifically noteworthy is the “Multi Sense” key placed on the right side for selecting different driving modes such as Eco mode, which caps the vehicle’s maximum speed at 115 km/h despite having a top-speed capability of 150 km/h.
Between Winter and Spring
Having experience with electric vehicles, I am well aware of the shortcomings of compact models, regardless of their promising WLTP ranges. While they perform admirably in urban settings—being cheerful, sociable, and dynamic—they tend to struggle significantly on highways. Therefore, I’m eager to put the R5 through highway tests. Particularly because mornings remain chilly during the initial part of the trial period, with daytime temperatures also quite low.
The good news is that my Iconic Five model includes a built-in heat pump, so there’s no concern over conserving energy use for climate control. Ideally, this vehicle should offer approximately 410 kilometers based on an official combined cycle rating of 52 kilowatt-hours. However, reality paints a different picture; the onboard computer swiftly adjusts expectations down to roughly 330 kilometers.
When venturing onto the highway, one realizes how critical it becomes to plan stops frequently during colder months, needing breaks every hour and forty-five minutes due to reaching around ten percent charge after covering nearly two hundred kilometers.
By the conclusion of several days’ worth of trials, warmer weather begins to make itself felt, signaling springtime approaching. Interestingly enough, once conditions improve slightly, the car starts performing better, extending its operational range considerably. Under ideal circumstances, expect close to 280 kilometers on the motorway while maintaining full power from the battery at all times—a duration sufficient for almost exactly two hours without requiring rest periods, although barely meeting basic requirements.
The Time to Live
At maximum capacity, the DC fast charger delivers 100 kW. In cold conditions, particularly when frozen, initial charges rarely surpass 40 kW. At around 15°C outdoors, we achieved a peak rate of approximately 70 kW. Consequently, expect to pause for about 30 to 45 minutes to achieve an optimal state where the vehicle’s battery reaches roughly 80-85%, before resuming highway travel. Patience becomes key here. Renault included a thoughtful touch—a ‘5’ emblem on the hood serving as a visual charge status indicator. While waiting at the station under sunny skies, sitting comfortably on a nearby bench allows you to keep track of your progress effortlessly.
During trips exceeding 100 kilometers—especially those driven within speeds ranging from 90km/h to 120km/h—we observed energy usage averaging over 20 kWh per hundred kilometers. Lowering speed and using smaller 18-inch tires fitted with winter rubber brought efficiency closer to 16 kWh per 100 kilometers during city drives. This indicates it might be unsuitable for long-distance commuting but remains feasible for occasional excursions beyond metropolitan areas.
Storage capabilities remain modest; the trunk offers just 326 liters of cargo room. Folding down the rear seating expands this significantly to 1106 liters. Nonetheless, certain features such as the optional Harman Kardon sound system occupy cable management spaces. Similarly, devices connected via conventional sockets used to transform the R5 into a portable power source leave their cords freely accessible in shared zones.
Alive
The highlight is undoubtedly piloting the R5. Kudos to Renault for crafting such an agile and responsive electric vehicle. This compact car handles roads with ease, excelling both on highways and through curves, spreading joy among drivers. Its braking system works perfectly, guiding the rear into smooth turns with finesse. During our climb and descent of the Citadelle de Namur for photography purposes, these skills shone brightly.
Naturally, due to its heft, robust suspension was necessary, leading to firmer dampening. On a section of the gently rolling Brussels Ring, the car briefly exhibited some oscillation but quickly stabilized. Though brief, these minor jolts detracted slightly; however, they didn’t overshadow overall comfort significantly enough to diminish praise for the Renault 5 E-Tech’s achievements. Stylishly designed—elegant yet powerful—it accelerates smoothly from 0-100 km/h in just eight seconds without feeling harsh. Four lightly packed adults could enjoy this spirited takeoff effortlessly.
Upfront, luxury abounds. However, those seated at the rear might find legroom limited, particularly if someone as tall as General de Gaulle occupies the driver’s seat.
The prices
The attractive French-made vehicle with 150 horsepower sells for approximately €32,900 in Belgium. Meanwhile, the model featuring 120 horsepower paired with a 40 kWh battery begins at around €27,900 in Belgium. Regarding the Renault 5 E-Tech Iconic Five we’re testing, fully loaded with additional features, it comes to €34,900. Its price in France stands at €35,590. If purchased in Switzerland with similar specifications as shown in photos, expect to pay about CHF 36,000. Despite knowing that this electric urban car has some range constraints, the Renault 5 E-Tech boasting 150 horsepower along with a 52 kWh battery remains suitable for regular use when charging from home at 11 kW. It also allows occasional trips and pulling a light trailer up to 600 kg without issues.
(MH with Duquesne – Source: Renault – Images: © Olivier Duquesne)
oleh admin | Mar 18, 2025 | battery electric vehicles, electric cars, electric power, electric vehicle charging stations, technology
Cars constructed using this platform will gain an additional 249 miles of range within merely five minutes, which could signify a significant breakthrough for electric vehicles.
-
BYD introduces the Super e-Platform, which will support the development of the planet’s quickest-recharging electric vehicles set for release later this year.
-
Thanks to a 1,000-volt electrical system, it supports charging rates of up to 1,000 kilowatts (one megawatt).
-
EVs constructed using this platform will gain an additional 249 miles of range within just 5 minutes.
In China, rather than Europe or North America, we see the fastest-charging and most sophisticated electric vehicles emerging. Now, BYD’s latest Super e-Platform reinforces this lead even more. Following their announcement of EVs capable of charging at rates of up to 500 kilowatts, BYD claims their newest technology supports an impressive maximum charging capacity of 1,000 kW, enabling the vehicle to add about 2 kilometers (or roughly 1.2 miles) of range every single second.
According to
the company’s website
And according to news reports, the Super e-Platform operates at 1,000 volts, surpassing even the maximum voltage levels found in today’s electric vehicles. These typically reach their peak at around
800 volts
or 900 volts in
Lucid vehicles
, and it’s these vehicles that also offer the highest charging capacity.
Photo by: BYD
BYD – 1000 kW ultra-rapid charging
BYD’s latest platform supports up to 1,000 amps of current, which allows adding approximately 249 miles (400 kilometers) of range within merely five minutes. This process is nearly as fast as refueling a conventional car, thereby addressing one of the major issues with electric vehicles—the significant waiting time required to achieve substantial charging progress. Typically, this involves spending many minutes plugging in to gain usable mileage.
High-capacity charging stations are necessary to reach peak charging speeds; however, BYD has declared intentions to construct approximately 4,000 such facilities across China. The company did not specify when construction will commence nor provide an estimated timeline for completing their targeted 1,000 kW infrastructure project.
These advanced high-power EV chargers cannot be easily set up just anywhere due to their significant power requirements when operating at maximum efficiency. They might necessitate connections directly to high-voltage lines, confining them primarily to sites equipped with strong grid systems.
Photo by: Autohome
BYD – Platform at 1,000 volts
In China, customers can now reserve the BYD Han L for $37,350 and the Tang L for $38,700. These models utilize a cutting-edge platform enabling quicker charging speeds compared to any electric vehicle globally. Additionally, they feature advanced high-output motors capable of spinning beyond 30,000 revolutions per minute, delivering up to 777 horsepower—currently unmatched worldwide from a singular engine. This performance is integrated via a next-generation suite of silicon carbide power modules.
Vehicles equipped with a single motor for rear-wheel drive, constructed using the new platform, will produce 671 horsepower. Meanwhile, those fitted with dual motors will couple this high-performance engine with a less powerful 308-horsepower unit at the front wheels, resulting in an overall power output of 1,084 horsepower.
This allows the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV to accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in merely 2.7 and 3.6 seconds, respectively, achieving maximum speeds of up to 190 mph and 170 mph.
The introduction of the Super e-Platform seems poised to be a pivotal moment for the electric vehicle sector, making the process of charging an EV as straightforward as filling up a gasoline-powered car.
BYD
must fulfill its commitment to establish a widespread network of one-megawatt charging stations so that users can truly enjoy the advantages.
Clearly, BYD aims to establish itself not just as a top seller in the electric vehicle market but also as a technology innovator, tackling one of the primary worries for potential purchasers.
Bloomberg
observes that the introduction of the new platform is already positively impacting the company’s stock price, causing an increase of 6%.
More On BYD
-
Within BYD’s Ambitious Strategies for Europe
-
BYD’s Response to Tesla Autopilot Comes at a Much Lower Cost
-
Witness The BYD Shark Tackle Australia’s Sandy Dunes Amid 100-Degree Temperatures
-
China’s Dominance in the EV Market: What’s Driving Their Success in the Electric Vehicle Sector?
-
BYD Might Soon Surpass Sales of Both Ford and Honda
-
Lucid CEO: Numerous Electric Vehicles in America Are Simply Subpar
oleh admin | Mar 7, 2025 | autos, battery electric vehicles, cars, electric cars, technology
Electric vehicles can serve as the accessible and dependable means of transport we require. However, this is true only if we cease attempting to confine them within the frameworks designed for gasoline-powered cars.
There are numerous explanations for why China dominates the electric vehicle (EV) market. The Chinese government invested heavily in this sector, streamlined regulations, offered incentives to consumers, and made land more affordable. Local firms with little to no background in manufacturing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles viewed this shift as a chance rather than a burden, unlike many Western companies who see it differently. However, one crucial aspect remains less discussed than it should be.
A
A significantly higher percentage of Chinese individuals purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) are doing so for their first car.
Many people previously owned just one or two vehicles. This is crucial because in China, electric vehicles came without most of the burdens that still hampered their adoption elsewhere.
Photo by: InsideEVs
Ford’s CEO has recently stated that the economics behind large SUV electric vehicles are “unsolvable.” I concur with this viewpoint, hence I believe that extended-range electric vehicles and hybrid models will continue to be prevalent in these market segments for an extensive period.
In 2022, the typical purchaser of a new car in the United States was approximately 51 years old.
per Cox Automotive
Even typical buyers of used cars were around 49 years old, with both demographics having above-average incomes. This indicates they are affluent individuals who came of age in an era heavily influenced by automobiles. Growing up during times when internal combustion engines were predominant, these folks also recall a period when air travel was considerably more expensive and less common. Consequently, many retain memories from childhood involving family trips taken in gasoline-powered vehicles. Throughout adulthood, they have primarily bought gas-fueled cars and depended on them extensively for transportation needs.
Currently, they are being informed that electric vehicles will soon supersede their traditional counterparts. However, for large, bulky vehicles which most consumers are used to purchasing, embarking on lengthy trips necessitates paying a significant additional cost, utilizing an array of planning and charging applications, and enduring a more time-consuming and challenging driving process. These individuals are now advised to acquire from the same company that previously provided gasoline-powered models—a brand known for selling familiar vehicle designs—at higher prices and generally inferior performance levels compared to what they have been accustomed to.
worse reliability
.
So
of course
they’re pissed off.
I know I am.
When looking to substitute a $2,500 Chevy Tahoe for camping trips, I opted to lease a Chevy Blazer EV instead.
I enjoy cruising around town with it, but the eco-friendly tires restrict its ability to handle unpaved roads. The seats cannot be fully flattened, which prevents me from using it for camping naps like I do in my Tahoe.
During a 1,000-mile round trip to Utah, I spent hours trying to keep it charged.
.
I missed out on seeing an incredible view at Bryce Canyon due to range anxiety and having just one of the two required Tesla charging adapters. The adapter I possessed was not enough.
permitted me to utilize Superchargers
, but this meant occupying two parking spaces, making me appear rather rude. What really put things into perspective was that with electricity rates between $0.53 and $0.65 per kWh at numerous charging points, I ended up not saving anything compared to completing the journey in a gasoline-powered crossover.
The experience sucks.
I haven’t come across a direct equivalent as an electric vehicle (EV) option for this, since honestly, it seems ridiculous for someone who is 27 years old without children to drive such a large SUV that could practically serve as a bed. There isn’t really a necessity for an EV version of something like this.
If you’re coming at this from the perspective of a gasoline-powered vehicle, I understand completely. You might be thinking about long road trips. Or perhaps driving through remote areas. Maybe even imagining summertime excursions to Hilton Head from Cleveland, which takes around 14 hours. You could also be envisioning fussy children at service stations and all the inconvenience of adapting to a method that your old gas-guzzler handled effortlessly for years.
However, an electric vehicle is not like a gasoline-powered car; they operate quite differently. This difference leads to distinct compromises, as extensively discussed: today’s models tend to be either overpriced or poor for long-distance travel.
Photo by: Mack Hogan/InsideEVs
I enjoy driving my Blazer EV, yet I wouldn’t have forked over the $52,000 asking price. Instead, I acquired it for just $273 per month plus an upfront payment of $2,000, as both the dealership and GM absorbed some costs—a clear indication that high-priced electric vehicles may not be attracting buyers purely based on their merits.
These two issues are interconnected. Once electric vehicles are freed from the requirement for long-distance travel, all other concerns become less significant.
Drive the Blazer. The account provided here encompasses roughly three out of eight months since acquiring the vehicle. These instances represent some of the most extreme scenarios encountered during this period—a journey exceeding 1,000 miles through rural parts of America. This aligns with the quintessential idea of an adventurous cross-country adventure cherished by so many Americans. Nonetheless, such long-distance travel isn’t what we primarily use our car for. Having resided in California for approximately three years, this was merely the second occasion where I ventured over 500 miles from home. More common excursions like those to Joshua Tree National Park and Anza Borrego Desert State Park fall comfortably within the capabilities of the Blazer. Despite being routine activities, they still stand as exceptions rather than regular occurrences.
Even though most advertisements depict mountain routes and emphasize features like towing capability, performance, exploring uncharted territories, or mastering the open road out west, these scenarios likely account for only about ten percent of actual driving experiences. Most often, your vehicle simply gets you to work, school, visits with friends, or nearby cities. There isn’t much in the way of grand adventures; it merely transports you between locations routinely.
Listen, it would be awesome if this were our everyday reality. However, in trying to address extremely rare scenarios—such as people driving large luxury SUVs off-road—the Hummer EV became pricier, even more outlandish, and significantly heavier. Perhaps we could let hybrids and EREVs handle rock crawling instead.
In all these scenarios, an electric vehicle (EV) presents a much superior option. However, concentrating on the alternate scenario—long-distance travel—diminishes this benefit. Electric vehicles demand virtually no routine upkeep due to their enclosed motors and less complex drive systems. But once you adapt an EV for long drives, it needs to be heavier, leading to higher tire costs. The straightforward design of EVs also suggests they would be more economical to manufacture. Nonetheless, as expected, the substantial battery significantly bumps up the price, making it $15,000 dearer than its gasoline counterpart.
I understand, I understand. You
need
To embark on that road trip. Despite occurring annually, it is crucial, regardless of the reason. Believe me, I have no intention of seeking you out. Instead, my message emphasizes this: Allow gasoline to manage these tasks for now.
Offer extended-range EVs
, as well as hybrid and even pure gasoline-powered drivetrains for those who often embark on lengthy journeys. Gasoline trucks are remarkable vehicles, and it will be some time before any electric vehicle can match the Ford F-150’s capabilities at an equivalent cost. Let the internal combustion engines tackle the cross-country drives; they have proven their mettle over many years.
Photo by: Ford
The Lightning is an excellent pickup truck, yet it remains a hard sell compared to a gasoline-powered F-150 that offers lower costs and superior towing capabilities regardless of location.
This will allow electric vehicle designers to concentrate on the genuine benefits of this shift. Car manufacturers are opting to produce range-extender EVs equipped with smaller battery packs and gasoline powertrains for extended mileage. Instead, they may provide a higher-end all-electric option, boasting several hundred miles of driving range.
Reverse the approach. Provide the same compact battery option for both choices. Equip the electric vehicle with a 150-mile range and emphasize long-distance travel as an additional feature. Consider offering rental services for range extenders or extra battery units. Service centers at dealerships will likely seek fresh avenues to remain active as electric vehicles rapidly surpass internal combustion engine reliability.
Provide affordable electric vehicles that still manage to be engaging. Although buyers might have dismissed models like the Nissan Leaf and Mini Cooper SE, did the planners contemplate that Americans generally avoid buying hatchbacks irrespective of their powertrain type? Instead, introduce an urban-friendly SUV equipped with ample interior space and sufficient driving range to transport your mountain bike into the wilderness. This model should come at a pre-credit cost of around $30,000. Given Chevrolet’s promise of offering a 319-mile-range Equinox EV for approximately $35,000, achieving even better value seems entirely feasible.
The Chevy Bolt might suit anybody’s daily travel needs and also cope well with moderately long drives. Should someone succeed in giving it a more appealing design—something less bland than a laser printer—it could become the electric vehicle for the masses that we’ve been looking for.
Create a luxurious variant as well. If given the choice, I wouldn’t mind keeping my old, worn-out gasoline pickup indefinitely—if only my primary vehicle were a sleek, leather-appointed electric pod equipped with top-of-the-line audio systems and seating. By incorporating compact motors and batteries, this minimalist approach could make premium finishes easier to achieve. Also, develop an all-electric Ford Ranger; suggest opting for the hybrid model if extended travel range is needed. Electric vehicles offer affordability, simplicity, and smooth operation—not direct substitutes but rather complementary options where traditional models have reached near perfection.
Electric vehicles are already gaining traction in the commercial van market, as purchasers in this category concentrate on their daily activities instead of an occasional yearly journey they might undertake.
This presents an occasion for reinvention. However, it necessitates moving away from viewing electric vehicles (EVs) as superior or inferior to those powered by gasoline. We must cease treating them merely as automobiles equipped with battery packs and start seeing them as a distinct mode of transport. They won’t entirely supplant petrol in all scenarios just yet. Yet, for our day-to-day existence and the vast majority—about 90 percent—of the journeys we undertake, they represent the perfect answer.
Electric vehicles aren’t like gasoline cars. This is a positive aspect.
Contact the author:
Mack.Hogan@insideevs.com
.
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Creating a plug-in hybrid vehicle is much more challenging than you might assume.
oleh admin | Mar 5, 2025 | automotive industry, autos, battery electric vehicles, business, electric cars
The European Commission has unveiled an action plan aimed at aiding the European automotive sector’s access to crucial strategic technologies such as batteries, software, and self-driving capabilities, alongside reducing regulatory obstacles.
![]()
On Wednesday, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, who serves as the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, unveiled the plan.
The list includes five key programs aimed at bolstering the struggling automobile sector, an industry that constitutes 7% of the EU’s gross domestic product and supports approximately 14 million jobs throughout the union.
Nevertheless, the industry has faced challenges stemming from supply chain disruptions, elevated energy expenses, and an excessive dependency on crucial imports.
To tackle this issue, the Commission has declared a fund of €1.8 billion aimed at establishing a safe and competitive supply chain for battery raw materials.
Ensuring a secure source of batteries and their raw materials is among the primary challenges the automotive sector faces during the shift towards emission-free vehicles.
“We aim to boost local manufacturing to reduce strategic vulnerabilities, particularly when it comes to producing batteries,” stated Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday.
Moreover, the European Commission highlighted the importance of European automotive manufacturers becoming frontrunners in producing AI-driven, interconnected, and autonomous vehicles. In order to facilitate this, they committed to providing €1 billion in funding from 2025 through 2027.
An additional €570 million will be allocated for financing the establishment of charging stations.
The action plan outlines additional measures to enhance the skills of workers within the sector and pledges further assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
More adaptable yet fundamentally unaltered clean mobility objectives
The Commission remains committed to its clean mobility goals, firmly establishing the limits for emissions from new cars and vans in 2025, 2030, and 2035.
At present, the aim is to gradually reduce the emissions of newly manufactured vehicles until 2035, after which only zero-emission models will be allowed to be produced.
“We will adhere to our committed emission goals while adopting a practical and adaptable strategy,” Von der Leyen stated.
Following numerous appeals from the automotive sector, and with electric vehicle sales decelerating in Europe, the Commission pledged to introduce an updated revision.
If implemented, this change would allow vehicle makers three years rather than just one to achieve their compliance goals (emission limits) by calculating the average across 2025-2027. This means that if they fall short in any single year within this period, they could compensate during another year within the same timeframe.
Even though they are currently adhering to the targets, the Commission intends to examine the regulations concerning CO2 emission standards during the latter part of 2025, earlier than initially anticipated.
In the meantime, the Commission committed to supporting increased demand for European zero-emission vehicles and released a fresh proposal aimed at decarbonizing business fleet vehicles. Such fleets account for 60% of new vehicle registrations.
Enhancing the presence of European automakers on the international market
The United States is threatening Europe with a 25% trade tariff, posing a significant risk to the region’s automobile sector. Additionally, European car manufacturers are facing pressure from Chinese competitors globally, leading to reduced profit margins.
To assist European automakers in turning the tide, the Commission committed to “maintain fair competition” through various tools. This includes implementing anti-subsidy actions along with forging free trade deals.
The Commissioner designated India as one of the “like-minded” nations where the EU might forge advantageous trade deals.
Diverse responses from the sector regarding the Action Plan have been observed.
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) stated that although they supported the action plan, “important components were not included.”
The ACEA stated that ambitious steps are required to enhance infrastructure, provide demand incentives, and lower production costs for automobiles, vans, trucks, and buses.
Sigrid de Vries, who serves as the Director General of ACEA, further commented: “This suggested adaptability to achieve CO2 objectives over the next few years marks a positive initial move toward a more practical strategy for reducing carbon emissions, influenced by current market conditions and geopolitical factors. This offers potential relief for manufacturers of cars and vans, assuming that essential support like increased consumer demand and robust charging facilities will indeed be implemented.”
E-Mobility Europe stated: “We are disappointed that the European Union’s 2025 CO2 targets have been reduced, which could potentially hinder near-term electric vehicle sales, decrease investment certainty, and disadvantage top companies.”
Lucie Mattera, the Secretary General of ChargeUp Europe, voiced her concerns as well, stating: “The European Commission has reaffirmed the target for 2035 with zero emissions. Despite this, the flexibility measures brought forward today are misguided and cause unnecessary ambiguity during the transitional phase. However, more than 11 million electric vehicles have already hit European streets, indicating that the shift towards sustainable transportation is firmly progressing.”
In response to the frequent critique that an insufficient number of charging stations hinders demand, she stated: “The electric vehicle charging infrastructure industry expands daily, providing faster charging speeds and enhanced, smooth EV charging experiences.”
The main problem with the updated charging infrastructure is
obtaining entry to the grid
, which provides electricity.
It might require several months, possibly even years in certain instances.
To tackle this issue, the commissioner stated that Brussels will release recommendations for member states aimed at reducing wait times.
The Commission is also considering whether it should make it obligatory for member states to prioritize these requirements, ensuring that permit approvals can be expedited.
oleh admin | Mei 1, 2024 | battery electric vehicles, car care, car maintenance and repair, cars, electric power
Maintaining an electric vehicle is straightforward. It involves significantly fewer tasks compared to maintaining a gasoline-powered car.
Although electric cars might have a higher upfront cost compared to traditionally fueled ones, they tend to be less expensive to operate through inexpensive at-home charging. Additionally, electric vehicles also
help their owners save money consistently through reduced long-term maintenance expenses
.
This is due to the fact that electric vehicles remove more than two dozen moving parts typically needing regular maintenance. As a result, an EV owner can avoid expenses related to tune-ups, oil changes, coolant system flushing, transmission services, and replacements of items such as the air filter, spark plugs, and drive belts. According to sources, this makes owning an electric vehicle cost-effective.
approximately half as much as drivers with traditionally fueled vehicles spend on routine maintenance
.
EV Maintenance
-
Tesla Vehicles Offer Lowest 10-Year Maintenance Expenses: Consumer Reports
-
What Is the Optimal Electric Vehicle Service Timeline?
Nevertheless, an electric vehicle still demands some level of maintenance. Every manufacturer insists that owners adhere to a specific routine of inspections and servicing to maintain the integrity of their vehicle’s warranty. Failing to stick with this suggested plan could result in repair costs being out-of-pocket if issues arise.
Apart from rotating the tires, swapping out the cabin air filter and wiper blades, as well as refilling the washer fluid, most of this involves different mechanical checks. Car manufacturers recommend—and rightly so—that apart from straightforward chores such as verifying the tire pressure, replenishing the windshield washing fluid, and possibly switching the wiper blades, these processes ought to be carried out by an experienced professional at the dealership’s service center.
Three Distinct Electric Vehicles With Three Unique Service Timelines
To illustrate what usually tends to be necessary, let’s examine the upkeep timetable for the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV:
Monthly (performed by owner):
-
Verify the tire pressure and make adjustments if needed. Inspect the tires for excessive wear. Ensure the windshield washer fluid level is adequate and top up if required.
Every 7,500 miles:
-
Rotate the tires. Verify the coolant levels for the battery, cabin heater, and power inverter, as well as the accessory power and charger modules. Look for any visible fluid leaks. Examine the brake system. Conduct a visual inspection of the steering, suspension, and chassis parts for any damage. Assess the condition of the power steering, half-shafts, and driveshafts for excess wear, leakage, or harm. Test the operation of the restraint (airbag) system. Apply lubrication to vehicle body elements such as door locks. Ensure the accelerator pedal shows no signs of damage, stiffness, or obstruction; replacement should be considered if needed. Perform a thorough visual examination of the gas struts (part of the suspension), looking out for indications of wear, fractures, or similar issues. Confirm whether the tire sealant has expired—if installed—since this product is designed to patch up punctured tires until they can be permanently fixed.
Twice a year:
-
Wash away corrosive substances like road salt from the underbody with just water.
Every 15,000 miles:
-
Change the windshield wipers.
Every 36,000 miles:
-
Change the cabin air filter at regular intervals, replacing it more often if needed.
Every 75,000 miles:
-
Swap out the hood and/or body lift support gas struts.
Every five years:
-
Empty and refill the car’s cooling system. Change out the brake fluid.
Every seven years:
-
Get the air conditioning desiccant replaced. (This component absorbs and retains moisture within a vehicle’s AC system to help avoid rust and corrosion.)
Nissan provides two distinct maintenance schedules for the Leaf. The first schedule applies under more demanding driving conditions such as regular short journeys shorter than five miles during mild weather or ten miles when it’s below freezing, stop-and-go traffic in warm climates, prolonged slow-speed travel, operation in dusty environments, navigating rough, muddy, or salty roadways, or mounting a roof rack.
Schedule 2 demands less frequent upkeep but is applicable solely for highway travel under mild weather conditions. In essence, the majority of Leaf owners will find themselves needing Schedule 1 servicing.
Similar to the Bolt, this involves various routine maintenance checks. According to Nissan, these tasks include rotating the tires every six months or 7,500 miles and replacing the cabin air filter annually or every 15,000 miles. Furthermore, the brake fluid needs to be refreshed every two years or 30,000 miles, and the coolant should be replaced after 15 years or 120,000 miles.
Tesla suggests the following maintenance tasks and their respective frequencies:
-
Check the condition of brake fluid every 4 years (and replace as needed).
-
Replace the A/C desiccant bags every four years.
-
Replace the cabin air filter every two years.
-
Replace the HEPA filter every three years.
-
Service and grease the brake calipers annually or after 12,500 miles (20,000 km), particularly if you live somewhere with salty road conditions during colder months.
-
Rotate your tires every 6,250 miles (10,000 km), or sooner if the tread depth discrepancy reaches 2/32 inch (1.5 mm).
Frequent heavy braking from towing, descending mountains, or aggressive driving—particularly in hot and humid conditions—may require more regular inspections and changes of the brake fluid.
Moreover, Tesla includes these two points:
-
Battery coolant: Under typical conditions, you do not need to replace the battery coolant during the lifespan of your vehicle.
-
Brake fluid: Do not add more brake fluid.
More On Battery Degradation
-
Tesla: Battery Capacity Decreases by an Average of 12% Over 200,000 Miles
-
Tesla Model 3 Battery Degradation Assessment: 8% Decrease Over 3 Years / 102,000 Miles
-
Insights Gained From Over 10,000 Electric Vehicles and More Than 100 Million Miles
-
Does Rapid Charging Damage an EV’s Battery?
Battery Pack
When considering an electric vehicle, the most expensive part to keep in mind is undoubtedly its battery pack. Over time, all electric car batteries tend to deteriorate and hold less charge, although this process occurs slowly. This concern was more significant with earlier EV models that struggled to reach even 80 miles per charge compared to modern vehicles capable of going over 300 miles. However, very few electric cars produced so far have experienced such severe degradation that their battery packs required replacement. Nonetheless, owning an EV for a sufficient period means witnessing a gradual decrease in driving range. If this reduction becomes inconveniently large, you might find yourself needing to replace the battery pack or upgrade to a newer model altogether.
Conclusion
Reduced upkeep doesn’t make an electric vehicle indestructible. Eventually, EV owners will likely need to change the tires, get the brakes fixed, and possibly replace parts like the steering and suspension components, hoses, headlights, tail lights, among others. Make sure to check your owner’s manual for detailed maintenance requirements tailored specifically for your electric car.
