Uncovering 6 Costly Components of an Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicles are the future of personal transportation, offering a cleaner, more efficient alternative to gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicles. However, owning an electric vehicle comes with its own set of unique challenges, including the cost of repairs and replacements for certain components. This article will delve into six parts of an electric vehicle that are most likely to be expensive to replace.

The Battery

The battery is the heart of an electric vehicle, providing the power that propels the vehicle forward. A faulty battery can cause reduced range, slow charging or complete failure, rendering the vehicle inoperable. Batteries can degrade over time, losing their ability to hold a charge, or they can be damaged due to physical impact or extreme temperatures.

Replacing a battery pack can be a pricey proposition, costing hundreds of dollars, and is not necessarily covered under warranties. It might, however, be covered by Texas lemon law. Companies may also offer services wherein they deliver a new battery to you and swap it out on-site.

The Electric Motor

The electric motor is responsible for converting the energy stored in the battery into the mechanical energy that powers the wheels. A damaged electric motor can cause reduced power, slow acceleration or complete failure, rendering the vehicle inoperable much like a gasoline-powered car without gas.

Electric motors can fail due to excessive wear or high stress caused by overloading the vehicle. Replacing the electric motor can run into several thousand dollars, meaning it may make more financial sense to replace the car altogether rather than replace the motor. Refurbished motors are also typically an option in terms of cost-effective repairs.

The Power Electronics Module

The power electronics module is responsible for controlling the flow of electricity between the battery and the electric motor. A faulty power electronics module can cause reduced power or slow acceleration. Power electronics modules can fail due to excessive heat or a manufacturing defect resulting from poorly-made materials. Replacing the power electronics module can be priced at several hundred dollars or less if refurbished.

The Charging System

The charging system is responsible for recharging the battery pack, allowing the vehicle to be driven again soon. A damaged charging system can cause slow charging, reduced range, or complete failure to charge. Charging systems can fail due to cheap manufacturing materials or corrosion. Fixing or replacing the charging system can cost several hundred dollars.

The Inverter

The inverter is responsible for converting the direct current stored in the battery pack into the alternating current needed to power the electric motor. A faulty inverter can cause reduced power or slow acceleration. Inverters can fail due to excessive heat or subpar manufacturing.

In such cases, replacing the inverter can be a spendy proposition, costing several hundred dollars or more. You may be able to save money by purchasing a refurbished inverter online or locally instead of buying one new. If you do end up having this piece replaced at an auto shop, be sure to ask that your old inverter be credited to you as a core charge.

The Drive Unit

The drive unit, or drivetrain, is responsible for transferring the power from the electric motor to the wheels. This is a part found on electric vehicles that is also seen on gasoline-powered ones, and it runs from the engine all the way to the tires. A damaged drive unit can make the vehicle totally inoperable, and can cost several hundred dollars or more to replace.

Electric vehicles can have major repairs along with major expenses, but keep in mind that gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles have similar costs. By considering the expenses of your repairs, you can better gauge your transportation costs.