Teslas and other EVs don’t need oil changes, but that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free. And when service is needed, the costs still add up.
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So, how do Tesla’s long-term maintenance costs compare to those of other electric vehicles? Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect.
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Electric Vehicle Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, EVs and combustion engines have some similarities. According to CarEdge, they both require:
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Tire monitoring and replacement
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Battery replacement
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HVAC maintenance
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Brake maintenance
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Cabin air filter replacement
But there are also key differences. EVs don’t require oil changes, timing belts, radiator fluids or fuel filters. There are fewer moving parts, which means there’s less of a chance of mechanical failure, and brakes wear more slowly due to regenerative braking.
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On the other hand, tires wear out more quickly, and battery or motor work will need to be done at the automaker’s service center.
EV maintenance can vary depending on the brand, model, how you drive and even where you live. Tesla notes that aggressive driving can wear down tires faster and put more strain on the brakes. If you live in an area with rough roads or colder weather, you might see more frequent maintenance needs. And if service centers are limited in your area, that can drive up both wait times and costs.
Tesla Maintenance Costs vs. Other EV Brands
According to Consumer Reports and CarEdge, Tesla has the lowest maintenance costs over a 10-year period compared to other major car brands, with an estimated average of $5,050.
Here are CarEdge’s estimated 10-year maintenance costs for different Tesla models:
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Tesla Model 3: $3,257
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Tesla Model S: $3,974
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Tesla Model Y: $3,994
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Tesla Model X: $4,847
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Tesla Cybertruck: $5,359
However, there are other brands and models with similar maintenance costs. According to CarEdge, the estimated 10-year maintenance cost for the Toyota Mirai is $3,222 — slightly lower than the Tesla Model 3.
Here is the complete list of EVs, besides Tesla, and their estimated 10-year maintenance costs:
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Toyota Mirai: $3,222
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Nissan LEAF: $3,236
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Toyota bZ4X: $3,496
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FIAT 500e: $3,549
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Hyundai IONIQ 6: $3,930
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Honda Prologue: $4,600
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Nissan ARIYA: $4,671
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Hyundai Kona Electric: $4,727
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Volkswagen ID.4: $4,811
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Subaru Solterra: $4,825
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Kia EV6: $5,029
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Hyundai IONIQ 5: $5,043
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Chevrolet Equinox EV: $5,096
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Volkswagen ID. Buzz: $5,102
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Hyundai IONIQ 5 N: $5,265
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Kia EV9: $5,285
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Ford Mustang Mach-E: $5,331
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Chevrolet Blazer EV: $5,403
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GMC HUMMER EV SUV: $5,821
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GMC HUMMER EV Pickup: $6,384
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GMC Sierra EV: $6,253
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Ford F-150 Lightning: $6,574
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Chevrolet Silverado EV: $6,653
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Ford E-Transit-350 Cargo Van: $6,876
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RAM ProMaster 3500 EV: $11,649
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Here’s How Much It Costs To Maintain a Tesla vs Other Electric Vehicles