KATHMANDU: A new study from the U.S. highlights that electric vehicles (EVs) are generally cheaper to maintain than traditional fuel-powered cars, though repair times tend to be longer.
According to CDK Global’s EV Ownership Study, 53% of non-Tesla EV owners found their maintenance costs lower than those of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. For Tesla owners, 41% shared the same view. EVs are simpler to maintain as they do not require oil changes and have fewer moving parts.
However, the study also noted longer repair wait times. Around 85% of EV owners had to visit a service center within the first year of ownership. Tesla users reported a 23% longer wait for repairs compared to gas car owners, while non-Tesla EV owners waited 34% longer.
Same-day repair service has also declined. In 2023, 40% of EVs were repaired on the same day, but that number dropped to 28% in 2024. Overnight service center stays rose from 21% to 29%.
Despite the wait times, EV sales in the U.S. continue to grow. Data from Cox Automotive and Kelley Blue Book shows that over 607,000 new EVs were sold in the first half of 2025, a 1.5% rise compared to the same time last year.
