Servicing an electric car in Romania: what gets checked, how often and the cost vs petrol
A practical guide to what an EV service includes, how intervals work and what studies say about maintenance costs compared with a petrol car.
Many Romanians switching to electric ask the same question: does the car still need servicing? Yes, but an EV service looks quite different from one on a petrol or diesel car.
What goes away
An EV has no engine oil, oil filter, spark plugs, timing belt, clutch or exhaust. Those parts make up most of a classic service, and they simply aren't there.
What gets checked
- brakes: pads and discs wear more slowly thanks to regenerative braking, but they can corrode from disuse, and brake fluid is checked or replaced periodically;
- tyres: they wear faster because of weight and torque, so rotation and alignment matter;
- the cabin filter and climate system, including the heat pump;
- coolant for the battery and motor, at the intervals the maker specifies;
- suspension, steering, wipers and the 12 V battery;
- software updates and traction battery diagnostics.
How often
There is no single interval. Each maker has its own plan, usually yearly or by mileage, and some, like Tesla, recommend checks as needed plus replacements at fixed intervals. For warranty purposes, follow the service book. The Romanian roadworthiness test (ITP) is the same as for any car: first at 3 years, then every 2 years.
Cost vs petrol
We don't quote Romanian workshop prices, as they vary widely by brand. International studies are clear about the direction, though. The "U.S. Department of Energy" puts scheduled maintenance at 6.1 cents/mile for EVs versus 10.1 cents/mile for petrol, about 40% less. "Consumer Reports" found lifetime repair and maintenance costs roughly half those of petrol cars. AAA's 2026 study, reported by "The Auto Wire", shows a smaller saving of about $248 a year. Watch the tyres: on EVs they are often the biggest maintenance expense.
