How Often Should You Service Your EV in Australia?

Electric Vehicles (EVs) have rapidly grown in popularity across Australia thanks to their environmental benefits, lower running costs, and cutting-edge tech. But one of the most common questions new EV owners ask is: “How often should I service my EV?”

Unlike petrol or diesel vehicles, EVs have fewer moving parts, no oil to change, and fewer consumables. However, that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free. This blog explains everything Aussie EV owners need to know about service intervals, typical maintenance schedules, and expert checkup tips to ensure your EV stays roadworthy and reliable.

Contents

1. EV Servicing vs Petrol Car Servicing

2. Typical EV Service Schedule in Australia

3. Major EV Components That Require Maintenance

4. Manufacturer-Specific EV Service Intervals

5. EV Battery Health and Diagnostics

6. Brake System Checks in EVs

7. Tyres, Suspension & Steering

8. Software Updates & Digital Diagnostics

9. Cabin Air Filter and HVAC Maintenance

10. EV Fluids That Still Need Checking

11. Seasonal Considerations for EV Maintenance

12. How Road Conditions in Australia Affect EV Servicing

13. Where to Service an EV in Australia

14. What Happens During an EV Service?

15. Tips to Extend EV Service Life

16. Servicing Costs for EVs

17. Warranty Compliance and Logbook Servicing

18. Summary and Final Thoughts

1. EV Servicing vs Petrol Car Servicing

EVs are often advertised as “low maintenance,” and for the most part, that’s true. Traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars have more than 2,000 moving parts in the drivetrain, while EVs have around 20.

Here’s how EVs differ from ICE vehicles in servicing:

2. Typical EV Service Schedule in Australia

While every brand has its own guidelines, most EVs in Australia follow a service interval of:

• Every 12 months or 15,000 km – whichever comes first.

That said, always check your owner's manual. For example:

• Tesla: No annual service, but recommends periodic checks (see more below).

• Hyundai/Kia: Usually every 12 months or 15,000 km.

• MG: Annual checkups are mandatory to maintain the warranty.

• BYD: Service intervals every 12 months or 20,000 km (based on models sold in Australia).

3. Major EV Components That Require Maintenance

Despite being simpler, EVs still require regular inspection of:

• Tyres

• Suspension & steering

• Brake pads & rotors

• Cabin air filters

• Battery coolant

• EV battery diagnostics

• Software updates

4. Manufacturer-Specific EV Service Intervals

Here’s a quick comparison of popular EV brands in Australia and their general service requirements:

5. EV Battery Health and Diagnostics

Your battery is the heart of your EV. Although it doesn't need day-to-day servicing, here’s what must be done periodically:

• Battery Health Check: Diagnostic scans check for degradation, faults, and cell performance.

• Coolant System Check: Prevents overheating and maintains performance.

• Battery Management System (BMS) Updates: Manufacturers often push software updates that optimise battery longevity.

EV batteries typically degrade around 1–2% annually, and good servicing helps slow this further.

6. Brake System Checks in EVs

Thanks to regenerative braking, EVs place less wear on brake pads. However, don’t ignore them:

• Pads can corrode due to lack of use (especially if you drive gently).

• Brake fluid still needs replacing roughly every 2 years.

• Systems like ABS and EBD need software scans for faults.

7. Tyres, Suspension & Steering

EVs are heavier due to battery packs, leading to:

• Faster tyre wear – especially on performance EVs.

• Suspension stress – bushings, mounts, and shocks need regular inspection.

• Wheel alignment – should be checked annually or after any noticeable pull.

8. Software Updates & Digital Diagnostics

Modern EVs are more computer than car. This means:

• Over-the-air (OTA) updates often include critical safety or efficiency improvements.

• Service centre diagnostics may catch bugs, sensor failures, or network faults.

• ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) calibration is crucial post-service.

9. Cabin Air Filter and HVAC Maintenance

Don’t ignore your EV’s interior comfort systems:

• Cabin air filters should be replaced every 12–24 months.

• HVAC desiccant bags in some EVs need changing every 2–4 years to prevent moisture buildup in the A/C.

10. EV Fluids That Still Need Checking

EVs don’t use engine oil, but they still have:

• Brake fluid

• Coolant for battery and inverter

• Gearbox/transmission fluid (sealed units, rarely replaced but need inspection)

11. Seasonal Considerations for EV Maintenance

Australian climates vary greatly. EV owners should adapt:

• Summer: Battery cooling systems work harder. Monitor coolant levels.

• Winter: Cabin heating systems reduce range. HVAC servicing helps.

• Outback or dusty regions: Change cabin air filters more frequently.

12. How Road Conditions in Australia Affect EV Servicing

Rural roads, heat, dust, and potholes can increase wear on:

• Tyres

• Suspension

• Undercarriage seals

• Charging ports (dust ingress)

Regular underbody inspections are recommended for regional and rural EV owners.

13. Where to Service an EV in Australia

You have several options:

1. Brand dealerships (Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, MG, BYD etc.)

2. EV-specialist mechanics

3. Mobile EV servicing startups (growing in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)

Always confirm your technician is certified for high-voltage EV work.

14. What Happens During an EV Service?

Here’s what’s typically checked during a standard 12-month EV service:

• Tyre rotation and tread check

• Brake pad and fluid inspection

• Battery health scan

• Software updates

• Suspension and steering components

• Cabin air filter replacement

• Charging port check

• Light, wiper and washer function test

Optional: coolant flush, air con service, wheel alignment.

15. Tips to Extend EV Service Life

Want to keep your EV humming for longer?

• Avoid fast charging constantly – it heats the battery and shortens lifespan.

• Keep battery between 20–80% – unless prepping for a long trip.

• Use eco mode for city drives to reduce motor strain.

• Rotate tyres every 10,000 km

• Regular checkups, even if no warning lights are on.

16. Servicing Costs for EVs

Here’s a ballpark for annual EV servicing in Australia:

While cheaper than ICE cars in the long run, battery-related issues (if out of warranty) can be costly.

17. Warranty Compliance and Logbook Servicing

To keep your EV warranty intact:

• Follow service schedule in the logbook.

• Use authorised service centres or certified independent EV mechanics.

• Keep receipts and records of all service visits.

Missing a scheduled checkup could void certain parts of your battery or drivetrain warranty.

18. Summary and Final Thoughts

EVs may not need oil changes or spark plugs, but regular servicing is still vital. From battery diagnostics to tyre rotations, keeping your EV checked annually ensures:

• Warranty protection

• Peak performance

• Long battery life

• Safe driving

For most Aussie EV owners, servicing once a year or every 15,000 km is ideal. And with more EV-trained mechanics emerging across the country, maintenance is becoming easier than ever.