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Specialist maintenance for electric and hybrid cars – we are certified
Electric and hybrid cars are the fastest growing segment in the car market. Perhaps you're considering purchasing one yourself, or you're already driving one. Then it's good to know that at Autobest you're assured of specialist maintenance by certified mechanics. For all brands and models – from Tesla to Toyota, from Volkswagen to Volvo.
Electric and hybrid cars – also called e-vehicles or EVs – require a different kind of maintenance than cars with a petrol or diesel engine. Hybrid cars still have a compact combustion engine on board, but with fully electric cars everything revolves around electronic components: battery packs, charging systems, electric motors and complex software.
This means:
In short: less maintenance on classic components, but more attention to the electronic systems that make your car drive.
Working on electric and hybrid cars places new demands on mechanics. Due to the complex electronics, but especially due to the high electrical voltage required for propulsion, specialist knowledge and certification is mandatory. We're talking about voltages up to 400 volts or higher – life-threatening if you don't know what you're doing.
Our mechanics at Autobest have obtained the required certificate to work safely and professionally on electric and hybrid vehicles. For this, they have completed specific training and regularly participate in follow-up courses. This means our company is fully certified for working on e-vehicles.
You can therefore trust that your car is in expert and safe hands.
Absolutely. Even though an electric car doesn't have an engine with oil and filters, there's still plenty to check and maintain:
Fluids
The levels and quality of coolant (for electronics and batteries), brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid must be checked regularly.
Traction batteries
The battery pack is the heart of your electric car. For example, are there defective cells? Then your car performs significantly less. We check the health of the battery pack and the software that manages the batteries.
Charging system
Does your car still charge quickly and efficiently? What about heat development during charging and discharging? The charging system must be checked regularly to prevent problems.
Cooling systems
Electric cars have systems to cool the electronics and batteries. These must function properly to prevent overheating.
Chassis, brakes and steering
These components must also be checked periodically, just like with any other car.
Transmission oil
Depending on the brand and model, sometimes the transmission oil must be changed.
Electric cars are computers on wheels. Car manufacturers regularly release software updates to improve functionality, fix bugs and ensure safety. These updates must be installed, and we do that for you during a service.
Think of updates for:
Current software ensures your car continues to perform optimally.
Many electric and hybrid cars are equipped with regenerative braking. This system recovers energy during braking and converts it into electrical current to charge the battery. The advantage? Your brake pads wear much less quickly.
But watch out: an electric vehicle is relatively heavy due to the battery pack. This causes:
That's why it's important to have the tires, shock absorbers and suspension checked regularly, even with an EV.
The service intervals for electric and hybrid cars are generally longer than those for petrol and diesel cars. This is because there are fewer wear parts. Yet your car must be checked periodically – check your instruction and service book for the prescribed intervals.
Electric and hybrid cars are also subject to MOT after four years. The MOT inspection is largely the same as for other cars, but there are also specific points of attention such as the battery pack and high-voltage cables. Our certified inspector knows exactly what to look for.
Maintenance differs in some respects from a car with a combustion engine. No oil or oil filter needs to be replaced, but it is important that essential components such as the battery pack, brakes and tires are checked periodically. Software updates are also important. An electric car simply needs an MOT inspection.
Charging at home costs about 23 cents per kilowatt hour. For a car with a 50 kWh battery, a full charge therefore costs about €11.50. At public charging stations, costs are between 30 and 60 cents per kWh. Fast charging is even more expensive. In addition, there may be start-up fees or time-based costs.
There are many different parties that sell charging cards. It pays to compare, because there are price differences between different providers and subscriptions. Some cards only work in the Netherlands, others also in Belgium and Germany.
The standard is the Type 2 plug, also called the Mennekes plug. This is suitable for charging with both 230 and 400 volts and works at almost all charging stations in the Netherlands and Europe.
That depends on the capacity of your battery, the charging power of the charging station and the charging technology in your car. Charging at home on a normal socket (3.7 kW) can take a night. At a public charging station (11 kW) it goes faster. At a fast charger (43-50 kW), your battery is 80% charged in 15 to 30 minutes.
Normal chargers deliver alternating current (AC) with a power of 3.7 to 22 kW. You find these at home, in public parking lots and at work. Fast chargers deliver direct current (DC) with a power of 43 to 350 kW and are mainly along highways. Note: not every electric car can fast charge.
Occasionally fast charging is no problem for modern batteries. However, if you do it structurally, this can slightly shorten the battery's lifespan. For most users, this is not an issue.
No, you can recharge the battery at any time. Lithium-ion batteries have no memory effect, so partial charging has no negative effect on capacity.
Yes, that's absolutely possible! It just requires a bit more planning. There are handy apps available with which you can plan a route along charging stations throughout Europe. If you make a charging stop every 200 kilometers, you'll reach your destination without stress.
Charging points are spread throughout the Netherlands. You'll find them at hotels, restaurants, gas stations and parking lots. On websites such as oplaadpalen.nl you can find all available charging stations.
Electric cars are often slightly more expensive to insure due to the expensive battery pack. With some models, you rent the battery, which you must then insure separately. Comprehensive insurance is wise to protect yourself against high costs in case of damage.
Do you drive electric or hybrid and want to have your car checked? Schedule an appointment via our website or call us at 0499 - 390 475. Our certified mechanics are ready for you with the knowledge and equipment to professionally maintain your e-vehicle.
