The maintenance cost of electric vehicles is usually lower than that of traditional fuel vehicles. The annual average maintenance cost of pure electric models is about 666 Malaysian Ringgit, mainly focusing on the basic inspection of the three-electric system (battery, motor, and electronic control). The price of regular minor maintenance ranges from 300 to 500 Malaysian Ringgit. For example, the maintenance cost for a Tesla Model 3 is only 382 Malaysian Ringgit every 20,000 kilometers, while the annual cost of a comparable fuel vehicle such as the BMW 3 Series is as high as 4,356 Malaysian Ringgit. Pure electric vehicles do not require the replacement of traditional components such as engine oil and oil filters, and the cost of major maintenance typically does not exceed 3,000 Malaysian Ringgit. Additionally, some brands offer free three-electric system maintenance for the first four years. Hybrid models, which need to accommodate both fuel and electric systems, have an average annual cost of about 2,000 Malaysian Ringgit, which is still lower than that of fuel vehicles. Battery maintenance is crucial. It is advisable to avoid deep discharge and regularly monitor the battery's health status. Most brands provide an 8-year or 150,000-kilometer battery warranty, effectively reducing long-term ownership costs. Furthermore, tires and braking systems require more frequent inspections due to the heavier weight of electric vehicles, but the overall maintenance frequency is lower. Pure electric vehicles only need maintenance once every 10,000 kilometers or once a year. In summary, with their more simplified mechanical structure and longer maintenance intervals, electric vehicles can significantly reduce maintenance expenses over the long term.
