- EVs have fewer moving parts, leading to reduced maintenance needs.
- Regenerative braking in EVs extends the lifespan of brake components.
- Electricity costs for EVs are generally lower than gasoline costs for traditional vehicles.
ADVERTISEMENT
Surprised? You should be. Owning an electric vehicle (EV) does not just save you money on gas—it also slashes maintenance costs. How much? Over $10,000 in a decade. That is not an exaggeration.
Traditional gasoline-powered vehicles are intricate machines with numerous moving parts—engines, transmissions, belts, and fluids. More parts mean more things that can break or need replacing. EVs? They ditch most of that complexity, which means fewer trips to the mechanic and fewer surprise expenses.
According to a study from Atlas Public Policy, organized by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), EV drivers of the models analyzed save, on average, 40% on repair and maintenance costs.
Breaking Down the Savings
The numbers speak for themselves. Over the lifespan of a vehicle, maintenance costs add up fast—but not for EV owners. With fewer parts to replace, no engine oil to change, and brakes that last much longer, EV drivers are pocketing real savings. Let’s break it down.
Oil Changes: $4,400 Saved
If you drive a gasoline-powered car, you are stuck with regular oil changes. According to Kelley Blue Book, a conventional oil change costs between $35 and $75, while synthetic oil changes range from $65 to $125. Let’s crunch some numbers:
- Average driver: 12,000 miles per year
- Oil change frequency: Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles
- Cost per change: $55 (conventional oil) on average
- Yearly oil change cost: $440
- 10-year total: $4,400
For vehicles requiring synthetic oil, the number of oil changes may be lower, but the cost per service is higher, pushing lifetime costs even higher.
EVs don’t need oil changes. That’s money straight back into your pocket.
ADVERTISEMENT
Brake Maintenance: $2,000+ Saved
Brakes wear out over time, especially in gas-powered cars. Electric vehicles, however, use regenerative braking, which slows the car by using the electric motor, dramatically reducing brake wear. Here’s a comparison:
Gas-Powered Vehicles:
- Brake Pad Replacement: $150 to $300 per axle, including labor.
- Brake Pad + Rotor Replacement: $400 to $600 per axle.
Electric Vehicles:
- Regenerative braking reduces wear on brake pads and rotors, delaying the need for replacement.
- While exact savings vary, EV owners can expect longer intervals between brake service and lower long-term costs.
Over a decade, this can amount to at least $2,000 saved—or more depending on your driving style.
Transmission Repairs: $3,000 to $5,000 Saved
Transmissions are some of the most expensive parts to repair or replace in a gas-powered vehicle.
- According to J.D. Power, replacing an automatic transmission in a mainstream vehicle can range from $2,500 to $5,000, including parts and labor.
- Reliable Automotive states that transmission repairs average $900, with clutch replacements costing around $1,150.
Since EVs don’t have traditional transmissions, these costs simply don’t exist. That’s another $3,000 to $5,000 saved over a decade.
No Engine Fluids, No Extra Maintenance Costs
Engine oil. Transmission fluid. Coolant. Filters. These all need to be changed in a gas car. EVs eliminate most of them entirely, saving you hundreds per year in routine maintenance.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Final Tally: $10,000+ in Savings
Let’s add it up:
- Oil Changes: $4,400
- Brake Maintenance: $2,000+
- Transmission Repairs: $3,000 to $5,000
- Fluids & Filters: Hundreds more saved
Total Savings: Easily over $10,000 in 10 years.
That is real money. Money that stays in your pocket instead of going to a mechanic. Money that can be used for vacations, investments, or just about anything other than unexpected car repairs.
EVs Save You $10K—Gas Cars Drain Your Wallet
If you’re contemplating making the jump to an EV, here are some tips:
- Research Models: Not all EVs are created equal. Look for models known for reliability and low maintenance.
- Check Incentives: Many regions offer tax credits or rebates for EV purchases.
- Home Charging: Installing a home charging station can add convenience and further reduce costs.
Gas-powered cars are money pits when it comes to maintenance. EVs? Not so much. The numbers do not lie—EV drivers keep over $10,000 in their pockets over the lifespan of their car. If you are looking for a way to cut down on ownership costs without sacrificing performance, an electric vehicle is the way to go.
Still think EVs are too expensive? Do the math again. It is not just about the sticker price—it is about what you keep in the long run.
ADVERTISEMENT
SOURCES | IMAGES: ATLAS PUBLIC POLICY, NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL, KELLEY BLUE BOOK, J.D. POWER, RELIABLE AUTOMOTIVE | ELECTRIFY EXPO
FTC: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. Learn more.
