Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! Today, we are diving into the world of vehicle maintenance costs, pitting the electric car against its gas-powered counterpart in a race to see which one comes out on top. Buckle up, because this competition is about to get intense.
In one corner, we have the electric car, known for its reputation of costing less to maintain over the long haul. And in the other corner, we have the gas-powered car, the petroleum prince trying to keep up with the sparky upstart. It’s a battle of efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and we’re here to break it all down for you.
Our team at Edmunds has teamed up with the experts at CarMax to conduct a thorough analysis of maintenance costs for both types of vehicles over 150,000 miles. We’re talking routine maintenance here, folks, so buckle up and get ready for the ride.
As the race begins, the gas-powered car takes an early lead, racking up costs for inspections, tire rotations, and oil changes every 10,000 miles. But the electric car is not far behind, with its own maintenance expenses adding up as well. The EV may be cheaper so far, but the gas-powered car is putting up a good fight.
One surprising factor that comes into play is the frequency of tire replacements for the electric car. Due to its heavier weight, EVs tend to go through tires more quickly than gas-powered cars. But the regenerative braking system in EVs helps extend the life of brake components, leading to lower maintenance costs in that area.
As the race continues, the gas-powered car starts to fall behind, with more frequent service intervals and parts replacements driving up the maintenance costs. Meanwhile, the electric car maintains a steady lead, proving to be the more cost-effective option over time.
But just when it seems like the electric car has secured the win, we hit a major roadblock at 150,000 miles – the battery replacement. While most EVs come with a warranty that covers battery replacement up to a certain point, once that warranty expires, the cost of replacing a battery can be substantial.
The cost of a replacement EV battery can range from $6,000 to $10,000, depending on the size of the battery. Suddenly, that maintenance advantage of the electric car starts to fade, as the gas-powered car’s potential engine or transmission repairs come into play.
In the end, it’s clear that in day-to-day maintenance, an electric car is cheaper to maintain than a gas-powered car. But the uncertainty of battery replacement costs after 150,000 miles adds a level of unpredictability to the equation.
So, which car comes out on top in this maintenance cost competition? The answer may vary depending on your driving habits, budget, and long-term plans. But one thing is for sure – the race between electric and gas-powered cars is far from over.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out our in-depth article for more information. Until next time, happy driving!
