As more Plymouth drivers make the switch to electric and hybrid vehicles, understanding the unique maintenance requirements of these eco-friendly cars becomes increasingly important. At Peverell Garage, we’ve embraced the electric revolution, investing in specialised training and equipment to ensure we can provide expert electric car servicing for residents across Plymouth and beyond.
The rising popularity of EVs in Plymouth
The landscape of Plymouth’s roads is changing rapidly. With the UK government’s commitment to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 – with Hybrid vehicles exempt until 2035 – electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly common sight in our coastal city. This shift brings with it new challenges and considerations for vehicle maintenance – something we’ve prepared for extensively at Peverell Garage.
As Plymouth’s leading electric car mechanic specialists, we understand that owning an EV brings both exciting benefits and unique maintenance requirements that differ significantly from traditional combustion engine vehicles.
How electric car servicing differs from traditional maintenance
Many new EV owners are surprised to learn that electric vehicles actually require less frequent maintenance than their petrol or diesel counterparts. Without the complex internal combustion engine, there are fewer moving parts to wear out or break down. However, this doesn’t mean EVs are maintenance-free – far from it and it’s important to still undertake regular electric car servicing to ensure your car runs smoothly for longer.
An electric vehicle service focuses on different components:
- Battery health assessment: The battery is the heart of your electric vehicle, and its health directly impacts your range and performance. Our specialised diagnostics can assess battery degradation and identify any issues early.
- Brake system inspection: EVs use regenerative braking, which means the traditional brake pads typically last longer but require different inspection protocols.
- Cooling system maintenance: While EVs don’t have engine cooling systems, they do have sophisticated thermal management systems for the battery and electronics that need regular checking.
- Software updates and diagnostics: Modern EVs rely heavily on software, and our electric vehicle service includes routine servicing checks for and installing critical updates.
- High-voltage system safety checks: Working with high-voltage systems requires specialised knowledge and equipment – something our hybrid car mechanic team is fully trained in.
Why Peverell Garage is Plymouth’s electric car mechanic of choice
At Peverell Garage, we’ve invested significantly in becoming Plymouth’s premier destination for electric and hybrid car maintenance. Our commitment to comprehensive electric car servicing sets us apart in several ways:
Specialised EV training and certification
All our technicians have undergone extensive training specifically focused on electric and hybrid vehicles. As certified hybrid car mechanics, our team understands the intricacies of modern battery-powered propulsion systems and the safety protocols required when working with high-voltage components.
IMI certification
Our garage has received IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) certification for electric vehicle work, confirming our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in this specialised field. This investment in our team’s capabilities ensures your EV receives the expert care warranted through electric service.
State-of-the-art equipment for electric vehicle service
Electric vehicle diagnostics require specialised equipment unlike anything used for traditional cars. At Peverell Garage, we’ve invested in cutting-edge diagnostic tools designed specifically for electric vehicles. These tools allow us to communicate directly with your EV’s complex systems, identifying potential issues before they become problematic.
Our workshop is equipped with dedicated EV service bays, high-voltage safety equipment, and specialised tools that enable safe and effective servicing of your electric or hybrid vehicle. Whilst regular servicing incurs a cost, the service cost is far below what would be expected should repairs be needed due to a poor service history and that’s even taking into consideration the fewer parts an EV has compared to petrol or diesel vehicle.
Plymouth’s EV charging infrastructure and how it impacts maintenance
Plymouth’s charging infrastructure has expanded significantly in recent years, with numerous public charging points now available across the city. However, understanding how different charging behaviors affect your vehicle’s battery health is crucial.
During an electric car service at Peverell Garage, our technicians can advise on optimal charging practices based on your specific vehicle model and usage patterns. This personalised advice can significantly extend your battery’s life and maintain performance – something that’s particularly important for Plymouth drivers who may face diverse driving conditions from city commutes to longer coastal journeys.
We can also help troubleshoot any charging issues you may be experiencing, whether with home charging equipment or when using public infrastructure. For a comprehensive guide to Plymouth’s charging network, check out our previous blog post: EV Charging Points in Plymouth where we cover the best locations and types of chargers available throughout the city.
Seasonal considerations: Why spring electric vehicle servicing makes sense
As we move into the warmer months, many Plymouth residents are planning longer journeys for holidays and day trips. This makes spring the perfect time for a comprehensive electric vehicle service.
While electric cars generally perform well in warmer weather (unlike the range reduction many experience in winter), they still benefit from seasonal checks before undertaking longer journeys much like petrol or diesel cars. Our spring EV service package includes:
- Full battery health assessment to ensure maximum range for those longer trips
- Thermal management system check to keep your battery operating at optimal temperature
- Tire pressure and condition inspection – critical for efficiency and safety on longer journeys
- Air conditioning system evaluation – essential for comfort on summer drives
- Brake system inspection to ensure safety for both city driving and coastal routes
- We can even check charging cables for wear rates or damage
Additionally, for those vehicles that may have sat idle with less wear during periods of reduced use, an electric car servicing appointment is particularly important. Even EVs that aren’t driven regularly can experience battery-related issues if left unused for extended periods. As your local garage, our technicians can check for any battery drainage problems and ensure all systems are functioning optimally before you rely on your vehicle for longer journeys.
For some vehicles, particularly newer models, it’s increasingly important to undertake regular servicing and maintenance by professionals with expert knowledge so that your cars warranty is kept valid. Often warranty providers expect customers to keep their vehicle in top condition regardless of the key differences between electric and petrol or diesel cars.
Common EV maintenance myths debunked
Our electric car mechanic team frequently encounters misconceptions about EV maintenance. Let’s address some of the most common myths:
Myth 1: EVs don’t need servicing at all. While electric vehicles do have fewer moving parts than combustion engines, they still require regular professional attention. Battery systems, electronics, brakes, suspension, and tires all need expert inspection and maintenance.
Myth 2: Any garage can service an electric car. Working with high-voltage systems requires specialised training, equipment and highly trained technicians. Always ensure your garage has certified hybrid car mechanics with specific EV qualifications – like our team at Peverell Garage.
Myth 3: EV batteries need replacing frequently. Modern EV batteries are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle in most cases. With proper care and maintenance from qualified electric vehicle service technicians, your battery should provide many years of reliable performance.
Book your electric car service today
Whether you’re a long-time electric car owner or have recently made the switch to electric, ensuring your vehicle receives expert care is essential for optimal performance, safety, and longevity.
At Peverell Garage, our team of certified electric car mechanics is ready to provide comprehensive electric vehicle servicing tailored to your specific model and needs. From routine maintenance to specialised diagnostics, we offer the complete range of services your EV requires. As a family owned business we don’t need to utilise the hard-sell tactics of other garages, our loyal customer base means we offer an affordable service cost.
Don’t wait until problems arise – preventative maintenance is particularly important for electric vehicles in avoiding costly repairs. Contact Peverell Garage today to schedule your electric vehicle service with Plymouth’s leading EV specialists. Ensure your eco-friendly vehicle continues to deliver the performance, efficiency, and reliability you expect, especially as you prepare for those summer journeys ahead. You can contact us by phone on 01752 266099 or for an MOT use your vehicle registration number on our homepage to book an appointment. As accredited MOT testers we are your first point for EV and Hybrid vehicle work.
Experience the Peverell difference – where traditional garage values meet cutting-edge electric car expertise.
