Electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming a practical alternative to petrol and diesel cars. One of the key reasons many drivers consider switching is the promise of lower running and maintenance costs. But with four types of EVs available—Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)—which one is really the cheapest to maintain?
In this article, we’ll explore the maintenance costs of each EV type, break down the reasons for the differences, and provide real-world examples so you can decide which EV makes the most financial sense in the long run.
Understanding EV Maintenance
Before we compare, let’s understand what “maintenance” means for an electric car.
Typical Maintenance Needs in Cars
For traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, drivers often need to maintain:
- Engine oil and filter changes
- Spark plugs, timing belts, and fuel injectors
- Exhaust systems
- Gearbox servicing
- Clutch replacements
These add up to thousands of dollars (or lakhs of rupees) over the vehicle’s lifetime.
Read Also: Electrifying the Last Frontier: Your Complete Guide to EV Charging Stations Across Alaska
Maintenance in EVs
EVs, depending on type, may require:
- Battery cooling system checks
- Brake pad replacements (less frequent thanks to regenerative braking)
- Tyre rotations and suspension maintenance
- Software updates
The big difference? Fewer moving parts = less wear and tear.
1. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) – Lowest Maintenance
What Is a BEV?
BEVs are fully electric cars with no petrol or diesel engine. They use large rechargeable batteries and an electric motor. Examples include the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, Tata Nexon EV, and Hyundai Kona Electric.
Why BEVs Are Cheaper to Maintain
- No Engine = Fewer Parts
- BEVs don’t need engine oil, spark plugs, or timing belts.
- They have 90% fewer moving parts compared to petrol cars.
- BEVs don’t need engine oil, spark plugs, or timing belts.
- Regenerative Braking
- Converts energy back into the battery when braking.
- Brake pads last much longer than in petrol/diesel cars.
- Converts energy back into the battery when braking.
- Software-Driven
- Many BEVs receive over-the-air updates, reducing the need for garage visits.
- Many BEVs receive over-the-air updates, reducing the need for garage visits.
- Longer Service Intervals
- Most BEVs only need tyre rotations and general inspections once a year.
- Most BEVs only need tyre rotations and general inspections once a year.
Typical BEV Maintenance Costs
- Annual maintenance cost: Around $300–$500 (₹20,000–₹40,000).
- Over 10 years, a BEV could save $4,000–$6,000 (₹3–5 lakhs) compared to petrol cars.
2. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) – Moderate Maintenance
What Is an HEV?
HEVs use a petrol/diesel engine + small battery. The battery charges itself while driving (regenerative braking + engine power). You cannot plug them in. Examples include the Toyota Prius (standard hybrid), Honda City e:HEV, and Toyota Camry Hybrid.
Why HEVs Cost More to Maintain than BEVs
- Two Systems = More Complexity
- HEVs still have an internal combustion engine (ICE), meaning oil changes, spark plugs, and engine repairs are still required.
- At the same time, they also have electric motors and batteries.
- HEVs still have an internal combustion engine (ICE), meaning oil changes, spark plugs, and engine repairs are still required.
- Self-Charging System
- The hybrid battery doesn’t need external charging, but it adds to the cost of servicing.
- The hybrid battery doesn’t need external charging, but it adds to the cost of servicing.
- Fewer Savings than BEVs
- While cheaper to run than petrol-only cars, they don’t offer the same low-cost advantage as BEVs.
Typical HEV Maintenance Costs
- Annual maintenance cost: Around $600–$800 (₹40,000–₹60,000).
- Long-term, cheaper than petrol cars but more expensive than BEVs.
3. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) – Higher Maintenance
What Is a PHEV?
PHEVs are hybrids with a larger rechargeable battery. You can plug them in for pure-electric driving (usually 30–60 km). When the battery runs out, the petrol/diesel engine takes over. Examples include Toyota Prius Prime, Volvo XC60 Recharge, and BMW 330e.
Why PHEVs Are Expensive to Maintain
- Two Full Systems
- PHEVs combine a full petrol engine with a large battery + electric motor.
- This doubles the number of components that need servicing.
- PHEVs combine a full petrol engine with a large battery + electric motor.
- Complex Technology
- More advanced electronics, cooling systems, and dual drivetrains = higher service bills.
- More advanced electronics, cooling systems, and dual drivetrains = higher service bills.
- Fuel + Charging Costs
- If owners don’t plug in regularly, they may lose the benefit of the electric mode while still paying for fuel maintenance.
Typical PHEV Maintenance Costs
- Annual maintenance cost: Around $800–$1,000 (₹60,000–₹80,000).
- Over 10 years, costs can approach that of petrol cars.
4. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) – Most Expensive
What Is an FCEV?
FCEVs use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, powering the car’s motor. The only by-product is water vapour. Examples include the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, and Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.
Why FCEVs Are Costly to Maintain
- New and Rare Technology
- Hydrogen fuel cells are complex and not widely serviced.
- Specialised parts and mechanics increase costs.
- Hydrogen fuel cells are complex and not widely serviced.
- Limited Refuelling Infrastructure
- Few hydrogen stations mean higher running and support costs.
- Few hydrogen stations mean higher running and support costs.
- Expensive Repairs
- If the fuel cell stack needs replacement, it can cost thousands of dollars.
Typical FCEV Maintenance Costs
- Annual maintenance cost: $1,000+ (₹80,000+).
- Limited availability of spare parts makes upkeep pricier.
Cost Comparison Table: Maintenance of EV Types
| EV Type | Example Models | Annual Maintenance Cost | Complexity | Cheapest to Maintain? |
| BEV | Tesla Model 3, Tata Nexon EV | $300–$500 (₹20k–₹40k) | Low | ✅ Yes |
| HEV | Toyota Prius, Honda City Hybrid | $600–$800 (₹40k–₹60k) | Medium | ❌ |
| PHEV | Volvo XC60 Recharge, Toyota Prius Prime | $800–$1,000 (₹60k–₹80k) | High | ❌ |
| FCEV | Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo | $1,000+ (₹80k+) | Very High | ❌ |
Why BEVs Come Out Cheapest
- Fewer parts = fewer failures.
- No engine = no oil, belts, or spark plugs.
- Regenerative braking saves brake wear.
- Software updates reduce garage visits.
While HEVs and PHEVs offer flexibility, their maintenance costs are higher due to the presence of both an engine and an electric system. FCEVs are futuristic but costly due to their new technology.
Real-World Example
- Tesla Model 3 (BEV): Average maintenance cost over 5 years is about $1,800 (~$360 per year).
- Toyota Prius (HEV): Around $3,000 over 5 years (~$600 per year).
- BMW 330e (PHEV): Can reach $4,000 over 5 years (~$800 per year).
- Toyota Mirai (FCEV): Costs vary, but higher due to hydrogen systems.
Clearly, BEVs lead in affordability.
Tips to Reduce EV Maintenance Costs
- Charge Smartly – Avoid overcharging and deep discharging the battery.
- Use Regenerative Braking – It extends battery and brake life.
- Keep Software Updated – Ensures efficiency and prevents issues.
- Schedule Regular Inspections – Even BEVs need annual check-ups.
- Drive Smoothly – Less strain means longer life for tyres and batteries.
Conclusion
So, which EV type is cheapest to maintain?
👉 The answer is clear: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
- They have the simplest design, the fewest moving parts, and require the least regular servicing.
- While hybrids (HEVs and PHEVs) and fuel cells (FCEVs) have their advantages, they involve more complex systems that raise maintenance costs.
If saving money on upkeep is your priority, and you have access to charging infrastructure, a BEV is the smartest choice.