The battery and cooling system are two of the most important, but least understood parts, of an electric vehicle.

Every EV has two batteries. The smaller auxiliary battery is like the battery found in a gas-powered vehicle. Itpowers accessories, like the radio, lights, and door locks. In comparison, the high-voltage battery is a much larger battery pack that powers the motor and moves the car. This larger battery is much more expensive and vital to your EV and is usually the battery people are referring to when they talk about an EV’s battery health or the cost of a battery replacement.

Batteries perform best within a specific temperature range. This is where your EV’s cooling system comes into play. The cooling system is built around the high-voltage battery. Depending on the specific make and model, it keeps the battery within an ideal temperature range while the car is being driven, charged, or parked in extreme temperatures.

The two words tend to be used interchangeably, but they are different machines. An engine found in a gas-powered vehicle burns fuel and converts that to energy to move the vehicle and power many components. It contains hundreds of moving metal parts that need oil to stay lubricated and cooled.

An EV’s motor converts electrical energy into motion. There’s no combustion, no petroleum-based fuel, and only one main moving part, which is the rotor that spins inside of it.

That difference is why EVs don’t have an engine. Most EVs have a motor connected to a simple, single-speed gear system, sometimes called a reductor, that sends spinning power to the wheels. However, some performance models use multi-speed transmissions.

This system is referred to as your EV’s drivetrain. With far fewer moving parts than a gas engine, it doesn’t need engine oil or oil changes. However, your EV’s drivetrain isn’t completely fluid-free. The reductor and differential are two mechanical parts. Their fluid should be inspected and replaced around the 100,000-kilometre mark. Your certified technician checks this as part of your routine service.

EVs use both regenerative and hydraulic (“normal” or “traditional”) braking.

Regenerative braking uses the motor to slow down the vehicle. When you lift your foot off the accelerator or you press the brake, the motor switches roles and acts as a generator, using the car’s momentum to slow it down and send some of this energy back into the high-voltage battery to charge it.

How does this affect the hydraulic brakes on an EV? Regenerative braking reduces traditional brake use. Thismeans the usual warning signs of worn brakes, like squealing and grinding, will show up much later.

Less friction use also means moisture and road salt can cause rust and seized calipers, reducing stopping power. Routine professional brake inspections can catch brake wear well before you notice a potential issue.

The suspension and tires are worth checking, too, since the instant power from an electric motor can wear tires faster than in a gas vehicle.

EV maintenance isn’t something just any general mechanic can do. The high-voltage battery and electrical system can carry several hundred volts, which is much more than the 12V system found in a gas car.

Working on these systems safely requires training beyond general mechanical experience. including how to safely power down an EV before doing any work, wearing special personal protective equipment to protect against possible shocks, and how to work with high-voltage wiring. Specialized EV shops also know how to respond in an emergency involving a high-voltage vehicle.

Any vehicles with a high-voltage electrical system, including EVs and hybrids, are not suitable for any DIY projects. The risk of a dangerous, high-voltage shock is too great.

Select NAPA AUTOPRO locations offer specialized EV service through NexDrive. With the right training, tools, and skills to safely handle basic maintenance and large repairs, your EV is in good hands.

EVs don’t require the same level of routine service compared to gas vehicles, which can lower ongoing maintenance costs over time. But some EV-specific services, like any maintenance on the high-voltage battery or specialized diagnostics, can cost more at each visit because of the specialized training and equipment required to get the job done.

For a clear picture on how often to bring your EV in for professional maintenance, consult your owner’s manual and let your certified technician confirm whether it’s time for your next visit.

However, if you notice any signs and symptoms that your EV needs a check-up or your next service interval has arrived, book an appointment at your local NexDrive service centre, operating through our trusted AUTOPRO service centre network. By servicing your EV with a specialized shop, you can confidently track your EV’s full service and battery history over time.