How Much Does Full EV Servicing Cost Compared to Petrol or Diesel?
The real numbers, hidden costs, and how to make sure you don’t overpay.
You’ve probably heard that electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to maintain — no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and simpler servicing.
But then you see a service invoice or hear a quote, and suddenly you’re wondering:
Is EV servicing really cheaper than petrol or diesel?
What am I actually paying for?
And how do I avoid overpaying just because it’s an electric car?
At Car Friend, we’ve worked on hundreds of electric, petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles. We’re EV trained, straight-talking, and completely independent — so here’s our honest breakdown of EV servicing costs in the UK and how they compare to petrol and diesel.
What’s Included in an Electric Vehicle Service?
While EVs need less engine maintenance, they still require regular servicing to keep them running safely and efficiently. A typical full EV service at a trusted independent garage like Car Friend will include:
- Brake inspection and cleaning
- Tyre check, rotation and pressure adjustment
- Suspension and steering check
- Cabin filter replacement
- Battery coolant system checks (if applicable)
- Battery health report
- Software update checks
- High-voltage safety checks by a trained technician
- Full visual inspection
You won’t need engine oil changes, spark plugs or fuel system servicing — but safety and performance checks are still essential.
Want to see what’s included in our EV servicing packages? Check out our services here »
EV vs Petrol and Diesel Servicing Costs
Here’s how typical UK servicing costs compare between electric, petrol and diesel vehicles:
|
Service Type
|
Small Car (Avg)
|
SUV/4x4 (Avg)
|
|---|---|---|
|
EV Interim Service
|
£90 - £150
|
£130 - £190
|
|
EV Full Service
|
£160 - £240
|
£200 - £300
|
|
Petrol/Diesel Interim
|
£120 - £180
|
£160 - £220
|
|
Petrol/Diesel Full Service
|
£220 - £350
|
£260 - £420
|
✅ In general, EV servicing is cheaper — but only if you choose a garage with the right training and tools.
Prices reflect average UK independent garage rates, including our internal data from 2023–2025.
Hidden Costs of Electric Car Servicing
Although you skip traditional engine maintenance, electric vehicle servicing still has a few hidden costs that are worth knowing about:
Battery coolant servicing
Some EVs — especially Teslas and hybrids — have a battery thermal management system that requires periodic coolant checks or changes.
Faster tyre wear
EVs are heavier and deliver instant torque, which can wear tyres more quickly than on petrol or diesel vehicles.
Specialist labour rates
Because EVs involve high-voltage components, servicing should always be carried out by an EV trained technician. Not all garages are qualified, which can limit your options or increase costs at dealerships.
Maintenance Differences: Petrol vs Electric Cars
Petrol and diesel vehicles often need:
- Oil and filter changes
- Spark plugs or glow plugs
- Timing belts or chains
- Exhaust repairs
- Emissions checks
EVs skip most of these, which is where the savings really come in over time.
Our internal service data at Car Friend shows that electric car owners typically save 20–30% on servicing costs in the first three years — especially when using a qualified independent garage instead of a main dealer.
TL;DR – Electric Car Servicing Costs in the UK
- Full EV servicing typically costs £160–£240, depending on vehicle size
- Petrol and diesel servicing often costs £220–£350+
- EVs skip oil, emissions, and fuel system maintenance
- Brake checks, tyres, software and battery health still need regular attention
- Using an EV-trained independent garage offers the best value
EVs can absolutely save you money on servicing — but not without a few curveballs. It’s easy to assume an electric car needs almost no attention, but that’s not the full story. You still need trained technicians, proper inspections, and transparent pricing.
So if you’re comparing petrol, diesel or electric vehicles — or deciding where to book your next service — remember it’s not just about price. It’s about safety, experience and long-term peace of mind.
At Car Friend, we specialise in EV servicing that’s honest, clear and refreshingly jargon-free. We’ll help you understand every line of your invoice, deliver qualified care, and never sell you something your car doesn’t need.
Book your electric vehicle service online today, or pop in and chat with our friendly front-of-house team — the kettle’s always on.