One of the most common concerns for first-time electric car buyers is the fear of higher maintenance and repair costs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
However, a recent survey by CDK Global reveals the opposite, with the majority of electric vehicle owners finding lower operating costs, despite longer turnaround times for repairs.
The EV Ownership Study, conducted from December 2024 to January 2025 with thousands of respondents in the US, showed that 53% of non-Tesla electric vehicle owners reported significantly lower maintenance costs compared to gasoline cars. For Tesla owners, this figure was 41%.
Despite the lower costs, nearly 85% of electric vehicle owners still had to take their cars in for repairs or servicing during the first year. Of these, only 13% had to pay for the service, while 16% visited the dealership due to a recall. This reflects the unique characteristics of the electric vehicle market: low costs coupled with the need for a robust aftersales system.
There is a growing trend towards mobile maintenance services and home pickup and delivery options. In 2024, 19% of electric vehicle owners opted for mobile repairs, up from 14% the previous year. Simultaneously, 9% of owners used the home pickup service (up from 6%). Conversely, the percentage of owners taking their cars to workshops dropped to 83%.
While service options are becoming more diverse, repair times seem to be lengthening. The percentage of cars repaired on the same day dropped significantly from 40% (in 2023) to 28% (in 2024). Meanwhile, the number of cars ready for pickup the following day increased from 21% to 29%.
One reason for the longer repair times is the different service models between Tesla and traditional automakers. Tesla operates its own exclusive service centers, solely serving their vehicles. In contrast, traditional dealerships must handle both gasoline and electric cars, resulting in longer times for technician training, tool preparation, and aftersales processes.
As the electric vehicle market expands, especially with the entry of more brands beyond Tesla, aftersales services, from technical capabilities to customer experience, will play a pivotal role in retaining customers. While low costs are advantageous, if repair times and customer satisfaction are not guaranteed, the transition to electric vehicles may face obstacles.
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