The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has reached an all-time high, with sales growing to approximately 14 million last year globally. That number continues to grow, as EVs have accounted for nearly 20% of all car sales in 2024, up from just 4% in 2020, according to the International Energy Agency.
Besides the environmental benefits, EVs typically require less maintenance than internal combustion vehicles, but they still need to be cared for properly to extend their lifespan and look.
Just as you would any car, caring for EVs involves traditional tasks such as rotating tires, changing fluids and replacing cabin air filters. However, there are several services specific to EVs that owners of these vehicles need to keep in mind, the most important of which is maintaining the health of the battery to prevent degradation over time.
Cleaning the car also requires a new way of thinking for those new to electric vehicles. Never wash your EV while it’s powered on, as this can lead to dangerous short circuits or electric shocks.
While automated carwashes can be a quick and efficient way to clean a car, you need to be careful to avoid damaging the car’s electric components. Strong jets of water can interact with sensors, potentially leading to unintended automatic responses. Consider this when bringing the car into any carwash, which may use high-pressure water and harsh chemicals that may damage the battery or charging port or interfere with the sensors.
Fortunately, many carwashes now provide specialized cleaning services for electric vehicles, utilizing soft brushes, milder chemicals and low-pressure water.
Unique design features
Because electric vehicles lack a grill and radiator, as well as rear exhaust panels, they generally have more painted surface area compared to gasoline-powered cars. As a result, they typically require more attention to ensure even cleaning and polishing.
When cleaning your electric vehicle, be sure to use a mild soap specifically formulated for automotive surfaces. Rinse thoroughly to eliminate all dirt and debris, and then dry the vehicle with a high-quality microfiber towel to avoid scratching the paint.
Additionally, due to the painted front, these cars are more susceptible to front-facing wear and tear from rocks and debris encountered on the road. Therefore, it’s important for EV owners to maintain a fresh layer of paint protection film (PPF) to protect the paint. Furthermore, PPF provides excellent defense against environmental factors, such as prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight, salt, bird droppings and tree sap.
Another factor to consider when casing for an EV is that they often weigh more due to the battery, which can impact tire wear patterns. Therefore, EV owners should routinely check tire pressure and alignment, as proper maintenance can help improve efficiency and safety.
EVs also typically have many more electronics in their cabin than a traditional car, including touchscreen interfaces. When cleaning these areas, use a gentle cleaner made for these surfaces to avoid accidental damage. For instance, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the dashboard and plastic surfaces, removing any dust and fingerprints. For touchscreens and other electronic components, opt for a specialized screen cleaner and a soft cloth to avoid scratching.
One thing you may not think about is those electronic connectors, which after an EV has been in use for a long time, will need to be cleaned. To do so, use a special solution to remove rust effectively from connectors, or consult a professional to avoid costly mistakes.
EV owners appreciate the regenerative braking feature, which captures energy and can reduce brake wear, but to keep this functioning at its best, check and clean the brake components occasionally, as dust and debris can accumulate.
Also, don’t forget to regularly inspect the home charging station and connectors for wear and potential corrosion, as well as keeping the area around the charger clean and free from debris.
Prep the car
Before bringing a car into an automated carwash for a cleaning, owners should read the car’s manual and see whether there are any special cleaning instructions.
Ensure that all windows and doors are fully closed, because water entering an EV can cause chaos to the electrical components.
If your electric vehicle has a charging port, it’s important to protect it before going through the carwash tunnel. Some carwashes offer protective covers for this purpose, but if they don’t, you can use a plastic bag or tape to seal the charge port and prevent water from getting in.
Importance of window tint
Another important detail that EV owners need to consider is the use of proper window tint for their vehicles. While many car enthusiasts like the privacy aspect and look it gives to a vehicle, window tinting offers numerous benefits for EVs that go beyond aesthetics.
In fact, there is window tint designed especially for EVs, which can offer benefits such as increased efficiency and extended range.
One of the most important benefits of window tint film is the reduction of solar heat gain, which helps keep a comfortable temperature inside the car on hot, sunny days, which is especially vital for EVs as excessive use of air conditioning can deplete battery charge. So, by keeping the car cooler, it extends one’s driving range.
Additionally, window tinting enhances safety by reducing sun glare and can protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
It also helps prevent interior sun damage, ensuring that the vehicle’s appearance remains pristine over time.
With all these advantages, investing in window tinting is a smart choice for EV owners seeking both comfort and style. Of course, there are other ways to protect against the weather elements as well. Whenever possible, park in shaded areas or garages during the hot weather months.
Making the right choice
Proper exterior cleaning is crucial for maintaining the appearance and longevity of your electric car. Your vehicle reflects who you are, and you want to ensure it’s kept in the best possible condition.
By now, most carwashes and detailing services have experts in place to clean and maintain EVs, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your research when taking your car in for care. Ask questions about their history working with EVs and check out online recommendations from other owners just to be 100% that they have the knowhow and offer the same level of care and attention as they do for gasoline-powered vehicles.
Car owners want the best for their vehicles, and by taking the right steps and understanding the differences between caring for EVs compared to gas-powered cars, they can ensure years and years of great travel on the road.
Charles Bonfiglio is president and CEO of Tint World, a provider of automotive, residential, commercial, and marine window tinting and security film services. With Automotive Styling Centers in the U.S. and abroad, each franchise location houses approximately 20 profit centers, ranging from in-store accessory installations to offsite sales and installation.
