Do Electric Cars Require Less Maintenance?

Electric cars are making waves in the auto industry right now and it's easy to see why. These vehicles are able to accomplish beyond what they could just a few model years prior and all on a lithium-ion battery operated system. A great deal of Toyota vehicles are hybrids and use both battery and internal combustion engineering to reduce emissions and improve fuel-efficiency exponentially. But there are several vehicles currently on the market that operate exclusively on battery power, including a two new EV models. If you're looking to make the switch to a more electrified driving experience and have a few questions or concerns, we've got you! Toyota of Orlando is here with a guide on electric car maintenance, warranties, and what you can expect from driving one of these unique vehicles. 

What You Should Know About Electric Cars

Maintenance and Cost

Because Orlando Toyota electric cars are relatively new to the mainstream automotive market, it's easy to see them as a bit of an oddball and a mystery when it comes to maintenance. While you may think it's false, EVs are actually much cheaper to maintain than their internal combustion counterparts. Internal combustion engines typically consist of hundreds of moving parts, tubes, and various electrical components that are prone to failure. Electric vehicles only consist of a dozen or so easily replaceable parts with the largest component being the battery. Maintenance for these vehicles is relatively inexpensive when compared to a gasoline burning model. 

However, that doesn't mean you won't run into issues down the line with vehicles like these. The batteries in many mass produced electric cars are lithium-ion based. While not common, you could experience faster drains or battery failure due to a defect. Replacements for this part could cost upwards of $5,000 - $6,000. This a far cry from the near $15,000 it used to cost to replace EV batteries, but it's still a large expense to have to bear. 

Warranties

Luckily, when it comes to the occasional battery failure or mechanical upset, warranties are there to lend a hand. Unlike warranties on gasoline burning vehicles, Orlando Toyota electric car warranties can extend up to a lifetime and most companies offer 8-year/100,000 mile ones. This is to ensure that your investment in this new fuel form is sound and any major mechanical failure is covered with little to no out-of-pocket cost. 

Not only do you receive great warranty incentives when purchasing an electric car, but you could qualify for various tax breaks and government benefits. 

Fueling

Charging your electric car is a lot easier than you'd think. In fact, Orlando has installed several electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city to make it easier for commuters to charge while on the go. The main drawback to using these stations is the time it takes to bring your battery to a full charge. Some stations can quickly charge your vehicle within 30 minutes to two hours (a lot slower than fueling your vehicle with gasoline). Charging from home takes much longer, about 12 hours. But that does offer the benefit of being able to charge your vehicle from the comfort of home if you don't plan on commuting anytime soon. There's also a cost associated with using public electric charging stations, but it's significantly cheaper than using the gas pump. 

Driving an Orlando Toyota electric car has its benefits and is a sound choice for your next vehicle. If you need help shopping for an electrified ride, give Toyota of Orlando a call at (407) 298 - 4500.