Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a rare sight on South African roads. As the local market expands with a broader selection of battery-electric options, more drivers are making the switch to silent, zero-emission motoring. While EVs are widely celebrated for having significantly fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles – meaning no oil changes, spark plugs, or fuel filters – they are not entirely maintenance-free, writes Vanessa Rogers.
Caring for an electric car in South Africa requires a unique set of best practices, tailored to our distinct climate, infrastructure, and driving conditions. To keep your vehicle running efficiently and protect its resale value, here is what you need to know about maintaining an EV in tip-top shape.
Battery health is battery wealth
The lithium-ion battery pack is the most critical and expensive component of an EV. Protecting its long-term capacity should be your top priority. In order to achieve that, it is best to:
- Avoid the extremes: Try to keep your battery charge level between 20% and 80% for daily commuting. Leaving an EV sitting at 100% charge or letting it drop to near zero for extended periods accelerates battery degradation;
- Manage DC fast charging: South Africa’s growing network of public DC fast chargers is excellent for road trips but frequent use generates high heat, which stresses the battery cells. Whenever possible, rely on overnight AC charging at home (Level 1 or Level 2) for your routine needs; and
- Beat the highveld and coastal heat: South African summers can be brutal. Extreme heat is an enemy of battery longevity. Park in the shade or a garage whenever possible. Most modern EVs feature active thermal management systems that cool the battery, but parking out of direct sunlight reduces the energy needed to keep the cells at an optimal temperature.
Image: Supplied
The nuances of EV braking
One of the best features of an EV is regenerative braking, which uses the electric motor as a generator to slow the vehicle down while sending energy back into the battery.
Because the electric motor does most of the heavy lifting during deceleration, the mechanical friction brakes (pads and discs) experience very little wear. It is not uncommon for EV brake pads to last well over 100 000 km, say the experts in EV technician jobs. However, this lack of use creates a unique issue in South African coastal areas. Salt air can cause rust to build up on the brake discs if they are rarely engaged. Periodically applying the brakes firmly, in a safe environment, helps clear rust and keeps the mechanical components moving freely.
Tyre management: heavy loads, instant torque
EVs wear out tyres faster than traditional cars. This is due to two main factors: the heavy weight of the battery pack, and the instant torque delivered by electric motors.
To prevent uneven tread wear and extend the life of your rubber, it is important to rotate your tyres every 8 000 to 10 000 km. Furthermore, always ensure you replace your rubber with specialised EV-rated tyres. These assets feature reinforced sidewalls to handle the extra weight, specialised compounds to endure instant torque, and low-rolling-resistance tread designs to maximise your driving range.
Software updates and diagnostics
An EV is essentially a rolling computer. Manufacturers frequently release over-the-air (OTA) software updates that can optimise battery thermal management, improve power efficiency, or even unlock a few extra kilometres of range. Ensure your vehicle is regularly connected to your home Wi-Fi or cellular network to receive these updates promptly.
When to call the professionals
While checking tyre pressures and topping up windshield wiper fluid are easy DIY tasks, the high-voltage systems in an EV mean that traditional backyard mechanics can’t easily service these vehicles. A standard 400 V or 800 V EV powertrain can be incredibly dangerous if mishandled.
For annual inspections, cooling system flushes, or complex electrical diagnostics, it is best to take your vehicle to a certified workshop. As the local industry transitions, finding a qualified individual in an EV technician job is becoming increasingly vital for vehicle upkeep. Whether it is inspecting the high-voltage orange cabling or diagnostic testing of individual battery modules, relying on a professional EV technician ensures your manufacturer warranty remains intact, and that your vehicle operates safely under all expected local conditions.
