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 Living with an EV
Embarking on the electric vehicle journey? Discover the ins and outs of owning an EV. From daily charging routines to long-distance travel, we'll demystify the process and help you decide if going electric is right for you.
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     Range & Battery Life The range and battery life of an electric vehicle (EV) are crucial factors for potential owners. Most modern EVs offer a range between 150 and 300 miles, with some high-end models exceeding 400 miles. Battery life is also important, with warranties often covering 8 years or 100,000 miles. To maximize both range and battery life, drivers should avoid extreme temperatures, minimize rapid acceleration and braking, and charge to around 80% instead of fully charging every time.
    Cost of Ownership The cost of ownership for electric vehicles (EVs) can differ substantially from traditional gasoline-powered cars, often resulting in significant long-term savings. Although the initial purchase price of an EV might be higher, this is frequently offset by lower operating costs. For example, electricity is generally more affordable than gasoline, leading to substantial fuel savings. Moreover, EVs have fewer moving parts, reducing maintenance costs. There's no need for oil changes, and brakes tend to last longer due to regenerative braking systems.
    Driving Experience Driving an electric vehicle (EV) offers a unique and often exhilarating experience. One of the first things drivers notice is the instant torque, providing rapid acceleration and a smooth, responsive ride. This makes EVs particularly enjoyable to drive, especially in urban environments where quick starts and stops are common. The absence of a traditional combustion engine means that EVs are remarkably quiet, creating a serene driving environment. This quietness, coupled with the lack of vibrations, enhances overall comfort and reduces driver fatigue on extended journeys.

    Electric Vehicle Servicing​

    Q: Do electric cars need servicing?

    A: Yes. Regular servicing is recommended to ensure that your electric car operates at peak capacity while remaining safe – and that any underlying issues are identified early.

    Q: What servicing does an electric car need?

    A: While an EV requires less maintenance than a regular car, there are aspects that should be checked on a frequent basis, including:

    • Electric motor(s) and battery – while these don’t need much maintenance, you should nonetheless follow your car manufacturer’s recommended service schedule
    • Oils and coolants – the vast majority of EVs are fitted with automatic transmission, which requires lubrication, as does the battery. In both cases, top-ups are essential but not needed as frequently as for petrol/diesel cars
    • Brakes – since EVs use regenerative braking, brake-pad wear isn’t as much of an issue as it is with regular cars. Nevertheless, they still require periodic replacement
    • Suspension – electric cars tend to be a little heavier (mainly due to the battery), which means that springs and dampers should be checked. Don’t worry, this will occur during routine maintenance

    Book a service

    We offer online service booking 24 hours a day. If your electric vehicle needs attention, please make your service appointment as soon as you’re ready.

    BOOK NOW

    Q: Who can service electric vehicles?

    A: Whenever your EV needs servicing, you can rely on our expert technicians to deliver exceptional results – and at prices that are kind to bank balances.

    Here at Smiths Motor Group, we’re electric vehicle experts and we always go the extra mile. It’s not worth compromising on your electric vehicle’s health. This is why you should get a specialist to look after your EV; don’t lose out, be sure to get your EV servicing at Smiths.

    Q: How do I keep the battery in good health?

    A: Electric batteries should last from 10 to 20 years before replacement is necessary.

    The more a battery is charged, the quicker it begins to degrade. For instance, fully charging your car’s battery is pointless if you don’t intend to drive. By getting into the habit of charging according to your expected usage, you’ll get the most out of your battery.

    Other things that will help deliver battery longevity:

    • Before recharging, allow the battery to cool down
    • Ensure the battery is charged between 20 percent and 80 percent
    • Try to minimise rapid charger usage
    • Minimise battery exposure to warm temperatures

    Q: Where can I get parts and accessories for my EV?

    A: At Smiths Motor Group, we only ever use genuine Dacia, Hyundai, Nissan, Renault and Vauxhall components during servicing and repairs.

    An array of official manufacturer parts and accessories are available at our Ilkeston and Peterborough branches. Anything that we don’t have, we’ll happily order for you.

    Service Plans With our range of Service Plans, you’ll always have access to essential maintenance. Our Service Plans are designed to make maintenance affordable, allowing you to pay in manageable monthly instalments – or in one lump sum, if you prefer. Find Out More