As fleets move towards switching to electric vehicles it is important that there is an understanding around their service intervals and routine maintenance. Unlike an internal combustion engine (ICE), the system that propels the vehicle is simple. It has far fewer moving parts than in an ICE. There is no exhaust, no fuel system, no gears or clutch, and requires less fluids and filters. However, there is still the requirement for maintenance, so in this post we will look at what that maintenance looks like and what is useful to know.
Electric light commercial vehicles have been around for approximately ten years, with one of the first models, the Nissan e-NV200, launched in 2014. Since then, we have seen a handful of e-LCVs launched; however, it is only in the last three years or so, since there has been mass production, that we have been able to really see what maintenance is required.
One of the most reported issues with e-LCVs is the 12v battery going flat. This happens on ICE vehicles too, but data from the AA shows that over the past year there have been more 12v battery faults on electric vans compared to diesel. The advice is to avoid having vehicles sat still for long periods of time. If drivers are on leave, try to ensure the vehicles are used and not left undriven for too long.
When is the First Service and What Can I Expect?
Each manufacturer and model are likely to have different service intervals. It is important that your drivers and fleet team know the service schedule for each vehicle to minimise the impact of planned downtime. As a rule of thumb, most first services are due after 12 months, or when the vehicle reaches a certain mileage, e.g. 12,500 miles.
Is There Anything Additional to Consider When Looking After the Battery?
The battery in your EV will be covered under a warranty which is set by the manufacturer. There is nothing additional for the driver to consider. The driver will simply need to charge the battery when it is needed. To maximise your battery’s health, it is recommended you keep the charge between 20% – 80% to avoid battery degradation. It is also advisable to use slower charging methods where possible and only use the rapid charging stations for topping up on the go.
Does Maintenance Cost More in Electric LCVs?
The maintenance on electric vehicles is often significantly lower than their internal combustion equivalents. Fewer parts mean the vehicles can be quicker to service and could be back on the road with lower costs.
The technicians servicing and maintaining e-LCVS should have had additional training to enable them to service the vehicle safety. All our mobile technicians have received additional training, allowing them to maintain e-LCVS. This provides additional peace of mind that vehicles can be maintained just as easily as any other vehicle within our fleet.
For more information about introducing EVs onto your fleet or managing them, or to arrange an initial discussion with our Team Target Zero, contact us today.
