Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common on London streets, particularly in areas like Chelsea, Kensington and Fulham. While EVs require significantly less routine maintenance than petrol or diesel cars, there are still important service intervals and checks that London EV owners should be aware of.
What EV maintenance is still required?
Despite having no combustion engine, EVs still require:
- Brake fluid change: Every 2 years (regenerative braking reduces wear but does not eliminate it)
- Tyre checks and rotation: More frequently than ICE cars due to the extra weight of battery packs
- Cabin air filter: Annual replacement
- Coolant check: The battery thermal management system uses coolant that needs monitoring
- Annual safety inspection: Equivalent of a service, even if there are no oils or filters to change
Does my EV still need an MOT?
Yes. Electric vehicles are subject to the same MOT requirements as petrol and diesel cars once they are three years old. The test covers safety items including tyres, brakes, lights, steering and suspension. The absence of an exhaust system means certain checks do not apply, but the MOT remains a legal requirement.
Finding an EV-qualified garage in London
Not all garages are equipped to work on high-voltage electric vehicles. Look for garages that hold an IMI EV Level 2 or Level 3 qualification. These technicians are trained to work safely on high-voltage systems. Our directory includes garages across Chelsea, Kensington, Fulham and surrounding areas that are EV-capable.
Battery health and range management
London stop-start driving can accelerate battery degradation over time. Best practices: avoid regularly charging to 100% (keep to 80% for daily use), avoid deep discharges below 10%, and use rapid chargers sparingly. If your range has dropped more than 20% from new, ask a qualified EV technician to run a battery health check.