EV knowledge hub
Plain-English answers to the things EV owners ask us every week. No jargon, just what you need to know to keep your EV safe and healthy.
Did you know?
Most modern EVs run a high-voltage battery between 400 and 800 volts. That's why EV work needs specific training and safety equipment.
Regenerative braking means your brakes are used less, but brake fluid still ages and needs checking.
EVs are heavier and deliver instant torque, so tyres, ball joints and bushes wear faster than on a similar petrol car.
A flat 12V battery can stop an EV from starting, even when the big battery is fully charged.
Your battery has its own cooling system. Keeping it healthy is one of the best ways to protect battery life.
The range shown on the dash is an estimate. It doesn't tell you the true health of the battery.
EV guides
You'll often hear that electric cars need less servicing. The truth is a bit more nuanced: EVs need different servicing, not no servicing.
There's no oil to change, but there are still tyres, brakes, suspension, steering, cooling systems, a 12V battery and a high-voltage system to look after. Skipping checks is how small, cheap issues quietly become big, expensive ones.
Every EV battery slowly loses some capacity over time. This is called degradation, and it's normal. What matters is how fast it's happening.
The battery is usually the most valuable part of the car, so its condition has a big effect on range, resale value and peace of mind. A proper reading tells you far more than the range estimate on the dash.
When you lift off the accelerator, an EV uses its motor to slow down and send energy back to the battery. It's clever, and it means the normal brakes do much less work.
Less use sounds like a good thing, but brakes that sit idle can rust, stick or lose performance, and brake fluid still absorbs moisture over time. They need checking even if they've barely been used.
EVs carry a heavy battery and deliver full power the moment you press the pedal. Both put extra load on tyres.
Uneven or fast wear is common and easy to miss. Tyres are the only thing touching the road, so tread depth and condition are a big part of staying safe.
A used EV can look perfect and drive beautifully on a short test drive, while still hiding battery wear, charging faults or worn suspension.
An independent inspection before you pay gives you the facts, so you can buy with confidence, negotiate, or walk away.
High-voltage systems are dangerous to work on without the right training, qualifications and protective equipment.
A specialist understands the battery, the cooling loops, the charging hardware and every mechanical part around them, so nothing gets missed and nothing is guessed.
Not sure where to start?
Four situations, four checks. Pick the one that sounds like you, and we'll take it from there.
The main event: scheduled checks that catch wear while it's cheap to fix.
EV Care PlanKnow exactly what you're paying for before you commit.
Pre purchase inspectionsThe safety certificate, sorted in about 45 minutes.
Safety certificateAn independent read on your battery's health, in plain terms.
Battery health checkStill not sure which one fits? Take the quick quiz or get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction. No obligation.
