Electric vehicles (EVs) offer various benefits for businesses, from lowering operating costs to reducing environmental impact. However, to ensure your electric vehicle fleet continues to perform efficiently, regular maintenance is a must.
What Maintenance is Required for EV Vehicles?
From battery health to tire pressure, there are various components to keep an eye on for optimal performance of your electric vehicles. Use this handy EV fleet maintenance checklist to ensure you’re covering all the essential tasks.
1. Monitor Tyre Pressure
It’s essential to check your EV’s tyre pressure every month, especially for those using the vehicle for regular commercial operations like deliveries or transporting heavy loads. You can use a tyre gauge to match the pressure to the manufacturer’s recommendations, or if you’re unsure how, a professional mechanic can do it for you.
Maintaining the proper tyre pressure improves traction, giving your EV commercial vehicle a better grip on the road and enhancing safety with every drive.
2. Conduct Brake Inspections
Always take a moment to check the electric vehicle’s brakes before hitting the road—it’s a simple step that can catch issues early and prevent road accidents. For a more thorough assessment, have a professional inspect the brakes on your electric vehicles at least every six months.
Regular brake checks are essential to keeping your fleet reliable, ensuring consistent and smooth stopping power, and reducing unnecessary wear and tear on critical components.
3. Assess Fluid Levels
While electric vehicles don’t require oil changes, they still rely on essential fluids to function:
- Transmission Fluid: Ensures smooth gear operation and prevents wear on internal components.
- Coolant Fluid: Regulates battery and motor temperatures to avoid overheating.
- Brake Fluid: Maintains adequate braking power and response.
- Power Steering Fluid: Supports easy and controlled steering for a smoother drive.
- Wiper Fluid: Keeps your windshield clear for safe visibility.
Keep these fluids topped up and in good condition to maintain your vehicle’s functionality, from smooth gear shifts to clear visibility.
4. Replace Cabin Air Filter
Keeping your cabin air filter in optimal condition is essential for clean air and proper ventilation inside your EV commercial vehicles. Over time, the filter can become clogged with dirt and other debris, which reduces air quality and restricts airflow. This build-up not only makes the ventilation system work harder but can also wear it out faster.
For fleet drivers, spending long hours on the road with a worn filter means poor air circulation, discomfort, and even potential health risks from breathing stale or polluted air. To avoid these issues, replacing the cabin air filter approximately every 15,000 miles is recommended.
5. Check Battery Condition
While modern EV batteries can go years without replacement, they still need regular checks to ensure they’re operating at their best. Keeping tabs on your EV’s battery health helps you avoid issues like reduced range or slower charging capabilities that could disrupt your business’s daily delivery schedules.
It’s recommended to have your battery inspected by a professional at least every six months or around 6,000 miles to keep your electric vehicle fleet operating smoothly.
6. Inspect Electrical Systems and Components
Don’t overlook the importance of regularly checking the electrical bits like your EV’s lights, wipers, and charging port.
These components are essential for safe driving—well-functioning lights ensure drivers can see and be seen, no matter the weather or time of day. On the other hand, efficient wipers maintain a clear view during rain, while a smoothly functioning charging port means drivers are never left stranded without power. Giving these parts a quick look over now and then can save you from headaches later.
7. Review Suspension and Steering
An EV commercial vehicle’s suspension and steering systems do more than keep the wheels turning—they provide a smooth ride and reliable control, especially during challenging delivery routes. When the suspension wears out, rides can become rough and unstable, while steering problems can jeopardise safety and handling. Regular checks and maintenance ensure smooth navigation, helping fleet drivers smoothly reach their destinations.
Schedule a professional inspection at least once a year to maintain optimal handling, enhance driver comfort, and prevent costly repairs down the line.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Optimal Performance of Your EV
- Maintain an optimal charge between 20% and 80% for the lithium-ion batteries commonly used in most electric vehicles to ensure longevity and performance.
- Avoid extreme temperatures by parking your electric vehicle fleet in shaded or climate-controlled areas to protect the EV’s battery and components.
- Clean the EV regularly to prevent dirt and debris from damaging sensors and charging ports.
- Install software updates promptly to optimise vehicle performance and address minor issues.
How Often Should You Have Your Electric Vehicle Fleet Checked by a Professional?
Different components of electric vehicles have varying maintenance needs and inspection timelines. For instance, brake inspections are typically recommended every six months, while suspension and steering may only require checks once a year. So, it’s important to stay vigilant for any signs of wear or performance issues.
However, in general, it’s best to have your fleet comprehensively checked and maintained by a mechanic at least once a year to ensure everything is running at peak performance. Consult with professionals to determine the ideal maintenance schedule for your specific electric vehicles.
Drive Peak Efficiency in Your Fleet
Maintenance is just one part of the equation when it comes to building a reliable and efficient EV fleet. If you want to ensure consistent operational excellence, choose high-performing vehicles for a sustainable and effective fleet solution.
At Hong Seh Evolution, we offer a range of EV commercial vehicles in Singapore, from electric powered lorries to electric commercial vans, providing the highest standards of fleet performance to drive efficiency and effectiveness in your operations.
Moreover, you can bring your EV commercial vehicles at our HSEV service centre at Revv at 1 Corporation Drive to further support the long-term performance of your fleet. Our expert team provides comprehensive services, from routine maintenance to extensive repairs, to ensure your vehicles remain in optimal condition.
Get in touch now to upgrade your fleet with high-quality commercial electric vehicles and receive reliable fleet maintenance services.
