These days, we think even the most devout petrol head would find it difficult to argue that the future of motoring does not lay in electric cars.
OK, so we might not be quite there just yet, with improvements needed on the purchase cost, mileage range and infrastructure of charging points, there is little doubt that the tide is moving towards them.
One of the main worries people who own, or are thinking about buying an electric car face is finding a trusted and trained mechanic to service, maintain and repair their vehicle. Most garages have very capable mechanics, which are trained to work with regular internal combustion engines, but they don’t have the equipment or staff training to maintain and service electric vehicles.
And, whilst many electric vehicles come with good warranties from the dealership, once that expires, customers will save time and money by finding a trained mechanic to carry out servicing and repairs, as opposed to having to return to the dealership each time.
This is where L.H.A. are already plugging in to the new technology (see what we did there) by getting our mechanics fully up to speed with the servicing and repairs of fully electric and hybrid vehicles.
So, as we’re leading the way in the service and repair of electric and hybrid cars, here’s a few handy hints and tips for anyone who owns or is thinking about buying one…
What are the key differences between conventional and electric cars?
In many ways, pure electric cars are technically a lot simpler than their conventional petrol or diesel counterparts, which can make electric car servicing easier and maintenance costs less likely; helping to keep costs (and hassle) to a minimum.
To ensure they run smoothly and reliably, petrol and diesel cars require a number of parts. Exhausts; catalytic converters; starter motors, spark plugs, oil, cooling systems; engine dampers; fuel injection systems; fuel pump… and the list goes on.
Pure electric cars, by comparison, only really have three main components: the electric motor, the on-board charger and the inverter.
Do Electric Cars Need an MOT?
Yes. Just like a regular vehicle, an electric car will need to have an MOT annually once it reaches 3 years old.
However, the GOV.UK website can be a source of confusion as it lists ‘goods vehicles powered by electricity’ under vehicles exempt from MOT – however, this does not cover electric cars.
What’s the Cost of Electric Car Maintenance?
As with any conventional vehicle servicing, it is hard to estimate how much repairs to a vehicle will cost without analysing the problems first.
However, due to the simplicity of the electric motors that power these type of vehicle, drivers will find themselves with considerably lower maintenance costs, with some studies estimating that electric car drivers could make a saving of up to £300 on their annual servicing bills.
At L.H.A. Car and Commercial, our mechanics have received specialist training on electric vehicles and are fully qualified to be able to service and repair them. We also have all the necessary testing and safety equipment in-house to be able to carry out all the necessary servicing and repairs needed.
Remember, we also offer a pick up and drop off service if you are unable to bring your vehicle to us.
If you want to speak to us about the service and/or repair to your electric or hybrid vehicle, just give one of the friendly team a call on 0113 288 9777 and we’ll be happy to help and advise you!