THE FUTURE'S ELECTRIC
Your friendly Macklin Motors technicians have the specialist EV training and equipment
to keep your Electric Vehicle or Hybrid running smoothly and safely.
Servicing electric vehicles
Made the move to electric? Congratulations. As well as giving you lower running costs - and cutting out tailpipe emissions - Battery Electric Vehicles, known as BEVs or EVs, have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars. So there's no oil and filter changes to budget for and no exhaust emissions to check at MOT time. That's good news, as it means they're cheaper to maintain*
But EVs still needs regular servicing for wear and tear items like brake pads, tyres, brake fluids, and pollen filters for the cabin. Some EVs also use coolant to keep the battery in the right operating temperature, and that system needs to be accessed by qualified technicians.
Your EV will have a service schedule to ensure that it's safe and running correctly. Keeping it serviced at your local Macklin Motors dealership will maintain your warranty cover and ensure your EV stays in peak condition.
* A study by Go Ultra Low found service and maintenance costs can be up to 23 percent lower for electric cars over a typical three-year, 60,000-mile ownership period.
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids
Hybrid vehicles (HEVs) use electric motors to supplement the output of a petrol or diesel engine. Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) can also drive for 25-30 miles or more on electric power alone, making them ideal for shorter journeys. Like conventional petrol and diesel cars, hybrids have service schedules to maintain the vehicle's safety and warranty cover.
Taking care of technology
Technology often needs updating. Whether it's your phone, tablet, computer, or your electric car.
Most EV manufacturers regularly provide updates to help ensure both safety and performance. With a Macklin Motors service, our technicians will ensure your car's electrical systems are all up to date. With your service, expect expert knowledge and the latest diagnostic equipment.
That way, you can ensure your car's electrical systems are all up to date.
The right place to service your EV
An EV's electric motors operate on a separate high voltage circuit. This calls for specialised training and a separate area within the workshop where the vehicle's systems can be checked with the manufacturer's own diagnostic equipment. If you bring your EV to Macklin Motors, you can rest assured it's in the best hands.
Want to know more about servicing your Electric Vehicle or Hybrid? Follow the links to book a service or chat to one of our service advisors.
Servicing electric and hybrid vehicles - FAQs
How often does an EV need servicing?
Many EVs have longer service intervals that conventional petrol or diesel cars, but you should always check with the manufacturer's recommended intervals. If in doubt, give the service team at your local Macklin Motors a call.
Does the MOT test apply to electric vehicles?
The MOT checks safety-critical areas like brakes, tyres and lights. So just likie petrol and diesel cars, EVs must pass an MOT test after three years and every year thereafter. Obviously, there are no exhaust emissions to check! Hybrids and plug-in hybrids also must have an annual MOT check once they're 3 years old.
Can non-franchised workshops service electric vehicles?
Electric vehicles have a high voltage circuit that should only be checked by a qualified technician, working in a separate earthed area. Macklin Motors' technicians have the specialised training to care for your EV using the manufacturer's diagnostic equipment. All cars, not just EVs, depend more and more on their software so having the right tools and training are more important than ever.
How long should an EV battery last?
Most EV batteries are guaranteed for 8 years or 100,000 miles - but check with us for your vehicle's guarantee terms. But according to energy supplier EDF, EV batteries should last between 10-20 years before they need replacing. Over time, the battery performance does deteriorate a little - so when we service your EV we'll give you a full printout of the condition of your battery. That also applies to our used EV sales.
Why does my EV's estimated range drop in winter?
Your EVs internal software will estimate your range based on several factors. Cold weather is the main cause - it affects the battery output, and you're likely to be using the car's aircon more too. So don't worry if the range seems lower than usual in winter.