Maintenance: making sure your electric vehicle stays fit

But before we get to that: obviously there is no need for an emissions test in the case of electric vehicles. As with combustion engine models, however, the general inspection¹⁾ must also be carried out 36 months following the first registration and then every 24 months after that. Admittedly, the inspection of an electrically powered vehicle differs from that for a combustion engine model. For example, TÜV, Dekra etc. scrutinise the high-voltage technology in particular¹⁾.

Electric cars are usually extremely frugal in terms of the amount and cost of servicing; after all, all-electric vehicles do not need engine oil, spark plugs and timing and fan belts. There is generally much less wear on the brake pads, too, as a result of regenerative braking (energy recovery), which means that they usually have to be replaced less frequently. In addition, operation of a battery electric vehicle means that there are fewer fluids to be maintained – usually only coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid. The batteries in turn have to date proven to be extremely stable. Should problems arise in this respect though, a Volkswagen warranty can be availed of, for example, for a period of up eight years or up to 160,000 kilometres following purchase, whichever comes first.⁴⁾

Insurance: driving in safe hands

Whether individual insurance or fleet package, insurers have long since adapted to the electric transformation and generally offer suitable products. Fleet operators should protect against damage to the battery as well as animal scratches, operating errors, accessories (wallbox, charging cable etc.) and fire. The topic of cyber attacks is also increasingly coming under scrutiny in relation to electric vehicles, which is why many insurance companies already cover accidents caused by hackers.⁵⁾ The cover letter should in turn take account of breakdowns and operating errors associated with electric vehicles, including free towing, for example, in the unfortunate event of a discharged battery.