You’ve heard it once and you’ll hear it again: electric vehicles are the way of the future.

And it’s not just all talk, either.

Signatory nations of the Glasgow Declaration, including the UK, Canada and Mexico, have committed to phasing out the combustion motor and going all-electric by the year 2040.

Judging by the fact you’re reading this very article, you’re probably curious about electric vehicles yourself. But the cynic in you has a few hard-hitting questions to ask before going out and buying the first Tesla you see.

In this post, we’ll quell your inner sceptic and address whether or not electric vehicles are more expensive to service.

Servicing electric vehicles: past and present

First, let’s wind the clock back 20 years. It’s the year 2002.

Koenigsegg just released their first street-legal production car. Dodge just released their final edition of the Viper GTS. Avril Lavigne just released her smash album A Rush of Blood to the Head, which we won’t discuss any further.

In 2002, it was difficult finding a mechanic who knew their way around a hybrid vehicle – especially if you wanted an independent one. Hybrids could only really be serviced at the dealership, making it more expensive. But hybrid and fully electric vehicles have come a long way since then and there’s no shortage of mechanics who are qualified to service your EV.

Servicing EVs today – are they more expensive than petrol cars?

Not only are EVs less expensive to service than they were 20 years ago, but they’re actually less expensive to service than petrol cars.

Engine vs no engine

We know what you’re thinking: how? The answer lies in the engine… or lack thereof. The engine is the most expensive part of a car to service and maintain. Hybrid cars use their engine significantly less than petrol cars, meaning less wear and tear on the engine. For example, whereas petrol cars need an oil change every 5000kms, most hybrid cars only need an oil change every 8000kms.

Fully electric vehicles

EVs don’t have an engine at all, saving you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in service bills over the years. Tesla vehicles and certain other EV manufacturers use regenerative brake systems which produce little heat, causing less wear on the brakes too. So, some researchers, including the USA’s Consumer Reports have found that EVs can cost up to a third less to maintain and service than combustion motor cars.

We’re glad to have debunked some common misconceptions around servicing electric vehicles. And if you’re sold on making the switch to electric, Carbroker.com.au is the site you need. They’re Australia’s best team of car broking agents, using their wealth of knowledge and resources to find you a primo car at a primo price. The team at Carbroker are connected to over 2000 car dealerships Australia-wide, so talk to the experts when you’re looking for your first electric vehicle.