ENERGY FLOW: REGULAR
Compare scheduled maintenance for EV vs. gas cars over 5–10 years, including optional battery replacement risk.
Maintenance savings (5 yr)
$3,300.00
Potential battery cost
$6,000.00
Not subtracted in 5 yr — modeled at year 12. Shorten battery life below 5 to stress-test net savings.
Net savings
Still ahead after battery risk
Cumulative maintenance cost
ICE @ 5 yr
$5,250.00
EV @ 5 yr
$1,950.00
Maintenance gap @ year 5
$3,300.00 less on EV (service only)
Long-term battery replacement risk
Pack replacement is a low-probability event for many owners—most traction batteries are engineered for 15+ years, and warranties often cover 8 years or 160,000 km. We show it here so you can stress-test ownership costs, not because every EV needs a new pack within your comparison window.
ICE annual maintenance
EV annual maintenance
ICE-only services you no longer pay for (annual estimates for your mileage).
Oil & filter changes
ICE only — typically 2 services per year
$165.00/yr saved
Engine air & fuel filters
$85.00/yr saved
Spark plugs
Amortized replacement interval
$70.00/yr saved
Timing belt / chain service
Amortized — varies by engine
$105.00/yr saved
Coolant, transmission & engine fluids
$125.00/yr saved
Brake pads & rotors (full wear)
Friction braking dominates on ICE
$210.00/yr saved
Battery electric vehicles eliminate oil changes, spark plugs, timing belts, and most engine fluids. Regenerative braking cuts friction brake wear. Every pack includes a Battery Management System (BMS) that limits charge speed, balances cells, and guards against over-voltage—helping modern packs last 15+ years in typical use. You still budget for tires, fluids, and inspections; the open question is whether a one-time pack replacement ever lands inside your ownership horizon.
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