Do EVs need oil changes or spark plugs? Are they cheaper to run?

Electric Vehicles

The electric vehicle market share has almost tripled in the first half of 2026. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)

Australians are increasingly turning to electric cars, with the national EV fleet now at about 650,000 battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

During the June quarter alone the country recorded its biggest-ever quarterly surge in electric vehicle sales.

Nearly one in every two new vehicles sold was either electric or hybrid, according to the Australian Automobile Association.

In the year-to-date, EVs make up 26.7 per cent of the total new vehicle sales market, more than double the 12 per cent share in the same period last year.

With the oil price shock earlier this year fuelling petrol prices, some motorists have been driven to EVs by the belief they have lower running costs.

EVs need annual servicing to run safely despite requiring less maintenance than traditional cars. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)

But what about servicing and repairs? Is it actually cheaper to run an EV?

Here's what you need to know.

Do electric cars require servicing?

Yes, according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

Like any vehicle, an EV needs professional servicing and maintenance annually to run safely, according to its website.

The podcast that helps you unpack the latest business and finance news.

"EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel vehicles and require much less maintenance," the DCCEEW said.

"They typically only need to be professionally serviced, or inspected, annually."

The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) shares the same view.

An EVC spokesperson said servicing was typically simpler and less frequent than for petrol or diesel-run cars.

"Instead, servicing focuses on tyres, brakes, suspension, cabin filters, battery health checks, software updates and general safety inspections."

Do you want to share more about your experience with EVs? We would like to hear from you! Contact our journalist confidentially on li.yiying@abc.net.au or li.yiying@proton.me.

What are main areas that need maintenance?

Steering and suspension systems as well as tyres.

EV tyres are heavily constructed. (ABC News: Millie Roberts)

EVs are very heavy vehicles, with an average mid-size city car weighing 400 kilograms more than a traditional car, according to Clint Flower, an automotive teacher at TAFE NSW.

"Any component in the suspension system is working harder," Mr Flower said.

Clint Flower says battery filters are a car part exclusive to EVs and hybrid cars. (Supplied)

"The tyres are working harder, and they're special tyres. All the EV tyres, they're heavily constructed."

He said battery filters, that clean the air cooling the battery, were a component exclusive to EVs and hybrid cars.

"A lot of EVs are now running a battery filter, and the battery filter is just an additional part that might need changing," Mr Flower said.

Práctica de escucha