As the UK accelerates toward an electrified transport future, fleet operators are discovering that electric vehicles require a fundamentally different approach to servicing and maintenance. While EVs promise lower routine maintenance costs, fewer moving parts, and reduced downtime, they also introduce new technical requirements, training demands and lifecycle considerations that are reshaping workshop and supply-chain strategies in 2026. For many industry leaders managers attending the Fleet Summit, ‘EV Maintenance 2.0’ is about redesigning the entire maintenance ecosystem around electrification…
Fewer Moving Parts, But More Complexity
EVs eliminate many traditional service items, oil changes, spark plugs, exhaust systems, timing belts, but introduce high-voltage components and advanced electronics that demand specialist expertise. Key maintenance considerations now include:
- Battery health and thermal management systems
- High-voltage cables, inverters and onboard chargers
- Regenerative braking systems
- Software updates and diagnostics
- Suspension wear due to higher vehicle weight
While EVs break down less often mechanically, modern vehicles are software-driven machines, making digital diagnostics and firmware maintenance as important as physical servicing.
New Skills for a New Era
Workshops supporting EV fleets now require technicians trained to IMI Level 3 or 4 high-voltage competence. This is reshaping the industry’s skills pipeline, and influencing supplier choice. Forward-looking fleets are:
- Partnering with OEM-certified EV repairers
- Investing in high-voltage safety training for in-house teams
- Auditing suppliers for EV-specific capability
- Ensuring mobile technicians are equipped to handle EV-safe repairs
The gap between ‘EV-capable’ and ‘EV-ready’ workshops is widening, and fleets must choose wisely.
Data-Driven Service Intervals
Unlike petrol and diesel cars, EV maintenance schedules are increasingly data-driven, influenced by real-world usage patterns captured through telematics and battery management systems (BMS). Fleet managers can now monitor:
- Battery degradation trends
- Rapid-charging frequency
- Brake wear vs regenerative braking usage
- Tyre condition under increased EV torque
This enables predictive maintenance planning that extends vehicle life and minimises downtime.
Rethinking Parts and Supply Chains
EVs rely heavily on specialist components such as battery modules, power electronics and advanced sensors, many with long lead times. Successful fleets are strengthening resilience by:
- Forecasting high-voltage part demand
- Building strategic partnerships with OEMs and authorised repair networks
- Keeping critical spares and HV safety equipment in stock
- Auditing supply-chain risks for EV components
- Preparing for the EV Lifecycle Curve
While EVs typically require less servicing in early years, long-term fleet planning must consider battery refurbishment, second-life options, and end-of-life recycling, all now core to TCO modelling.
A Maintenance Revolution in Motion
EVs bring lower running costs and fewer mechanical failures, but they also demand smarter diagnostics, new skills, and closer supplier collaboration. For fleet operators, mastering ‘EV Maintenance 2.0’ is essential to unlocking performance, safety and long-term value in an electrified fleet.
Are you searching for Servicing & Maintenance solutions for your organisation? The Fleet Summit can help!
Photo by Hyundai Motor Group on Unsplash
