According to a study by the U.S. Department of Energy, EVs cost 40 per cent less on average to maintain than internal combustion vehicles. Below are some of the changes you should consider making to the vehicle walkaround and maintenance lists you provide to your drivers to reflect the differences between the two vehicle types.

Notes under the ICE column represent items you and your drivers are likely already tracking, while the EV column notes the differences they’re likely to encounter with electric vehicles.

Daily vehicle walkaround

ItemICEEV
BrakesCheck that pedal works correctly without excess travelCheck that brake pedal works correctly
Check that regenerative braking setting is appropriate for the vehicle type and current weather conditions
Charging infrastructureN/ACheck that charging station, cable and vehicle port are undamaged and in good condition
PreconditioningN/ACheck that vehicle has preconditioned correctly and that process is complete before unplugging
Fuel/chargeCheck that fuel level is sufficientCheck that vehicle has charged correctly and range is sufficient
Check that vehicle is unplugged
Amazon Prime Ford E-Transit delivery vans ready to be loaded at a distribution centre.

Vehicle maintenance

The figures given below are averages. The recommendations given by your vehicle’s manufacturer may vary.

ItemICEEV
Oil changeEvery 12,000 to 16,000 kmNot required
TiresRotate every 8,000 to 12,000 km; Wheel alignment annually; Change when tread depth is 2/32” (or 4/32” in winter)Rotate, align, and change at same intervals, or follow manufacturer recommendation
BrakesInspect every six months; service every 30,000 to 80,000 kmInspect annually; service intervals vary but are generally half as frequent as in ICEs
Brake fluidEvery two to three yearsEvery two to three years
Engine air filterEvery two yearsNot required
Cabin air filterAnnuallyEvery two years
12V batteryTwice annuallyTwice annually (if present)
CoolantCheck twice annually; change every 50,000 kmMay not be required unless battery comes with coolant system, in which case inspect at same intervals
Transmission fluidTop up or replace every 100,000 to 160,000 kmMay not be required
Spark plugsChange every 130,000 to 160,000 kmNot required
Timing beltChange every 100,000 km when equippedNot required

Now test your knowledge to complete the lesson on including drivers in your fleet electrification.

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