The advantages of software-based maintenance and smart diagnostics for electric cars

Electric vehicle maintenance is undergoing a profound transformation. What was once a process almost entirely tied to mechanical interventions, oil changes, filters, spark plugs and frequent engine or transmission checks is now shifting toward a “silent” model, driven by software, electronic diagnostics, remote updates and intelligent systems capable of preventing failures.

In other words, electric car maintenance no longer happens only in the workshop: it happens every day, in the background, while you drive.

This shift not only reduces costs and service time but also improves efficiency, safety and overall vehicle durability, turning the electric car into a dynamic ecosystem that evolves over time, just like a smartphone or computer.

Introduction to electric vehicle maintenance

Why EV maintenance is different: less mechanics, more electronic control

The core of an electric car is simple: a motor with very few moving parts, a battery, an inverter and a set of electronic components dedicated to power management. This results in a drastic reduction in routine maintenance tasks.

There are no spark plugs, oil filters, injectors, exhaust systems, turbochargers or multi-gear transmissions. Mechanical wear is greatly reduced and shifts instead toward digital systems, firmware updates and diagnostic checks.

From the traditional service to the digital service

The traditional idea of a “service check” becomes less central, replaced by targeted inspections that are often shorter and less frequent. Software now makes the real difference: it optimizes efficiency, range and performance while constantly monitoring vehicle health.

Technology, diagnostics and battery lifespan

Software is not just about efficiency, it is essential for safety. An updated system can detect early anomalies in brakes, sensors, battery temperature and ADAS systems.

Battery lifespan, a key factor in a vehicle’s long-term value, is closely tied to how the system monitors and protects it.

Components and operation: how electric cars are built

Architecture of an electric vehicle and components requiring maintenance

Electric cars are composed of:

• Traction battery with a thermal management system (liquid or forced air).
• Electric motor, often integrated with the inverter.
• Inverter, converting DC from the battery into AC for the motor.
• Charging system: onboard charger, socket and control unit.
• High-voltage electrical components: fuses, relays and wiring.

EV battery and cooling

The battery is the most valuable component. A proper cooling system preserves its lifespan, ensuring performance and range over time.

Electric motor and power management

Thanks to its simple operation, the electric motor requires minimal maintenance. The inverter, however, is temperature-sensitive and needs periodic checks.

Charging system

The onboard charger, essential for AC charging, requires occasional electronic diagnostics to ensure proper efficiency.

Components with lower wear compared to combustion engines

Fewer moving parts mean:

• No oil changes
• No fuel filters
• No exhaust system
• Less wear on brakes and transmission

This reduction not only lowers costs but also decreases the likelihood of unexpected failures.

Silent Maintenance: Software Updates and Intelligent Diagnostics

Software maintenance as the new form of preventive care

Software maintenance has become the true cornerstone of EV care. Updates, installed automatically at night or when the vehicle is parked, improve:

• Energy efficiency
• Battery management
• Driving range
• Motor performance
• Safety functions

And this type of maintenance is… silent: it happens in the background without any physical intervention.

OTA updates and improved performance

OTA (Over-The-Air) updates allow automakers to:

• fix bugs
• introduce new features
• update infotainment and ADAS
• improve range and performance

All without visiting a service center.

Advanced BMS management

The BMS (Battery Management System) is the brain of the battery pack. Targeted updates can:

• optimize charging
• reduce long-term degradation
• improve thermal management
• prevent electrical stress

Electronic diagnostics and data-driven predictive maintenance

Thanks to advanced sensors and telemetry, the car constantly monitors:

• battery temperature
• voltages and currents
• motor efficiency
• inverter operation
• tire pressure
• brake condition
• ADAS systems

Real-time monitoring

An anomaly no longer needs to “make itself heard”: it’s detected before it becomes a problem.

Fault prevention

By comparing thousands of data points, predictive systems can detect:

• brake wear
• battery capacity loss
• electrical inefficiencies

Software as an essential part of safety

ADAS updates

Active safety depends directly on updated software: scanners, radars, cameras and algorithms are calibrated and improved over time.

Intelligent thermal management

Efficient software reduces battery temperature peaks, ensuring:

• more range in daily use
• less long-term degradation

Physical maintenance still required for EVs

Despite the digital revolution, some components still require traditional care.

Key periodic checks

12 V battery and HV battery pack

The auxiliary battery must be replaced every 3–5 years, just like in combustion engines.

Cooling system

Fluids and pipes need regular inspection to maintain optimal temperature.

Brakes, suspension and steering

Mechanical components remain crucial for safety and require periodic checks.

Tyres

The weight of EVs can increase wear: monitoring pressure is essential.

Scheduled work in specialized EV centers

An EV requires annual check-ups that are lighter but essential to preserve power electronics.

Why EV servicing is simpler

Regenerative braking reduces brake pad use, lowering replacement costs. At the same time, the absence of many traditional mechanical components greatly simplifies scheduled maintenance.

Frequency, costs and advantages of EV maintenance

Recommended maintenance intervals

• Software diagnostics: continuous and automatic
• Mechanical check-up: every 12 months or 20,000–30,000 km
• Tyre check: every 10,000 km
• Battery: constant monitoring, full assessment every 2 years

EV maintenance costs

An electric car can reduce routine maintenance costs by up to 70%, thanks to simpler components. Extraordinary costs mainly involve:

• battery
• high-voltage electronics
• ADAS systems

Fortunately, these components have long lifespans and are constantly monitored.

Long-term convenience

Lower consumption, fewer failures and fewer service visits make EVs highly cost-effective. The TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) is significantly lower than an equivalent combustion vehicle.

The future of EV maintenance: smart, connected and predictive

How predictive maintenance works

Advanced sensors and algorithms allow:

• failure prediction
• optimized service scheduling
• reduced downtime
• personalized maintenance plans

Centralized data management and EV fleets

For businesses and fleets, connected maintenance brings major advantages:

• remote diagnostics
• energy management
• charging cycle monitoring
• synchronized maintenance across multiple vehicles

Integration between vehicle, app and charging infrastructure

Communication between car and charging network enables:

• optimized charging times
• reduced energy costs
• synchronized software updates
• intelligent peak management

Practical tips for optimal EV maintenance

Best practices

• Always keep software up to date.
• Avoid prolonged full discharges.
• Rely mainly on home charging for daily cycles.

What to avoid

• Extreme temperatures.
• Unnecessary frequent fast charging.
• Leaving the car at 100% charge for long periods.

When to contact a certified EV service center

Issues such as sudden range drops, error messages or unusual noises should be inspected promptly.

Electric car maintenance has changed radically. Today, it’s no longer just about checking mechanical components but about keeping a complex ecosystem of software, sensors and predictive diagnostics constantly updated. “Silent maintenance” makes vehicles safer, more efficient and longer-lasting, with lower costs and continuously improving performance. Ultimately, an electric car is not just a means of transport: it’s a smart system that evolves over time, update after update.

FAQ on electric vehicle maintenance

How long does an electric car battery last?
Between 1,500 and 2,500 full cycles, often more than 10 years of use.

Are software updates essential?
Yes: they improve performance, range and safety.

Is EV maintenance cheaper?
Absolutely: fewer components to replace and fewer failures.

Do I need an annual service?
Yes, but it’s much simpler and faster than with a combustion vehicle.

Can I monitor the car through an app?Certainly: many EVs offer advanced dashboards with real-time data.