Wuling Air EV Electric Car Maintenance & Estimated Costs

16 June, 2023

7 minutes read

Image Wuling Air EV Electric Car Maintenance & Estimated Costs

Electric cars are gaining popularity in Indonesia due to their numerous advantages, such as environmental friendliness and energy efficiency. One of the most popular electric car models is the Wuling Air ev. Owning an electric car offers the benefit of lower maintenance costs compared to conventional vehicles, as they don't require complex upkeep for internal combustion engines.

Maintaining an electric car can be seen as a unique challenge. Some components demand specific maintenance methods, while others can be treated similarly to conventional vehicles.

So, how should you care for your electric car, and what key aspects should you consider? This article will delve into the maintenance of the Wuling Air ev and provide an estimation of associated costs.

1. Exterior and Interior Cleanliness

The maintenance of electric vehicles begins with ensuring the cleanliness and appearance of both the exterior and interior of the car. Regularly washing the car and ensuring that no dirt adheres to the surface is essential. Pay attention to specific areas, such as the windows, lights, and body of the car, that require thorough cleaning and proper care.

Interior maintenance is also important to maintain the comfort and cleanliness of electric vehicles, such as the ev Air. Make sure to clean the car's interior regularly, including the seats, carpets, and instrument panel. Use appropriate cleaners and avoid harsh chemical products that can damage the interior surface.

2. Battery Maintenance

The battery is one of the essential components of an electric car. To prolong the battery's lifespan, make sure to charge it correctly and avoid overcharging or discharging it too low. Additionally, it's important to regularly check the battery's condition and perform the maintenance recommended by the manufacturer.

As a power source, it is crucial to ensure that the battery's condition remains optimal for the electric car to operate normally. For electric car batteries, you don't need to charge them up to 100 percent; charging them up to 80 percent is sufficient. This is to avoid overcharging, which will extend the battery's lifespan.

It is advised not to let the electric car's battery completely run out of power. When there's approximately 20 percent of power remaining, it is advisable to recharge the car promptly. The habit of allowing the car to run out of power can cause damage. By paying attention to these electric car maintenance tips, the car will last longer.

3. Oil and AC Filter Replacement

While electric cars do not use internal combustion engines like conventional cars, some components still require attention. One of them is the cooling and lubrication system. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the necessary oil changes to maintain the performance of these components.

Electric cars also have air conditioning (AC) filters like fossil fuel-powered cars. AC filters serve to reduce pollen, road dust, dirt, and other harmful particles from entering the cabin.

For the Wuling Air EV, air filter maintenance should not be ignored, even though it does not directly affect the vehicle's performance. This is related to the comfort and health of the driver. It is advisable to regularly replace the air conditioning (AC) filter to ensure good air circulation inside the cabin.

4. Regular Brake Oil Service

The braking system in electric cars is designed to have a long lifespan. However, it is still advisable to regularly check the availability of brake oil, especially when the warning light on the odometer is illuminated.

Adding brake oil can slightly improve the performance of the electric car's braking system. However, if it doesn't provide significant improvement, it is recommended to have regular servicing by an experienced technician. This inspection includes checking the electrical system, brakes, suspension, and other components. Through regular servicing, technicians can detect potential issues and prevent more serious damage.

5. Tire Condition Inspection

Tires are one of the components that should be routinely checked, including tire rotation and tire positioning. Both aspects have a significant impact on driving comfort. Tire rotation helps maintain the stability of the tires when driven, while adjusting the tire positioning makes the steering feel lighter.

By adjusting the tire positioning, the vehicle's mileage can be increased and tire surface wear can be reduced, ultimately extending the lifespan of your vehicle's tires.

6. Parking in Cool Areas

7. Battery Charging Station Maintenance

Battery charging stations also require maintenance, especially if they are located in a private residence. To maintain the condition of the charging station, you can use a damp cloth with dishwashing detergent.

Electric vehicle battery charging stations consist of three types, commonly known as Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging. These three types of stations have different maintenance needs.

8. Keep Charging Even When Not in Use

Sometimes, a car needs to be parked for a significant period, such as during quarantine or previous large-scale social restrictions (Pembatasan Sosial Berskala Besar). In such situations, when the car is not used for a long period of time, it is important to avoid a completely empty battery. Regular charging should be carried out to keep the battery in good condition.

A battery left empty until it is completely depleted or at least below 10 percent will experience faster deterioration. Some experts compare the maintenance of electric vehicle batteries to maintaining the battery condition of a smartphone. The battery should not be left empty, especially for an extended period, if you want to extend its lifespan.

Although most manufacturers provide a fairly long warranty for electric vehicle batteries, typically up to eight years or 160 kilometers, depending on whichever is reached first.

How Much Does Electric Car Maintenance Cost?

The estimated cost of electric car maintenance can vary depending on factors such as the type of car, driving habits, and service costs in your area of residence. However, the costs can be divided into two types: overall costs and component costs. Here are the details of the costs, as reported by Lifepal:

Charging: The average cost of charging an electric car is Rp7,833,312 to cover a distance of 24,140.16 km per year (Rp646,787 per month), while a fuel-powered car will incur costs of Rp18,038,177 per year. There is a significant cost difference between electric cars and conventional cars.
Maintenance: Studies have shown that electric car owners can save up to Rp66,116,030 on repair and maintenance costs during usage.

If we look at the estimated costs required for an electric car like the Wuling Air ev, the charging costs and maintenance methods are lower compared to regular cars. This is because the Wuling Air ev only requires the replacement of three spare parts, such as the differential oil, AC filter, and brake oil.

In contrast, conventional cars require the replacement of 10 spare parts, including engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs, radiator coolant, transmission oil, differential oil, brake oil, and AC filter.

Thus, although electric cars have a slightly higher initial investment, in the long run, the operational and maintenance costs of electric cars tend to be more economical compared to conventional cars.

Make sure to regularly have your car checked at a trusted workshop. With proper maintenance, you can maximize the benefits of an electric car and reduce its negative impacts on the environment.