Why do all Tata EVs have a 6-month service interval

I checked the service interval table printed on the Tata Tiago EV owner's manual and the jobs listed there are something I could do on my own.

BHPian Sensible_Speed recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi all,

I am considering the prospect of owning an EV sometime in the near future. My options are limited to the Tata EV lineup for now, as they offer the most value for what you pay (relatively).

I went and test-drove the Tiago and Tigor EVs and found the driving experience quite pleasant. But when I did some additional digging around, I found out that the Tata EVs have a 6-month service interval! For an EV, I think that is unnecessary and I found it a bit difficult to digest.

One of the biggest advantages of the electric automobile is that, with fewer moving parts, the maintenance would be proportional too. While other manufacturers offer 1-year service intervals on most IC cars, I don't see why Tata decided that one should bring their low-maintenance EV twice as frequently as other cars into the shop and spend all that money and time for nothing.

I checked the service interval table that was printed on the Tiago EV owner's manual and the jobs listed on there are all something I could do on my own with a flashlight at home unless something major goes wrong (in which case, I would take it to the ASS anyways).

Can someone explain to me why this is so? Because skipping a service could mean voiding the warranty, and that is a harrowing thought on a relatively new and unproven piece of technology. As someone who would rather avoid the shop altogether if I could and spend the time and effort DIYing repairs big or small, how do I convince myself to go ahead and purchase a "high maintenance" EV? Also, is there any way Tata will increase the service interval period in the near future, as then, I could defer my purchase to match that?

Thanks in advance!

Here's what BHPian Jaggu had to say about the matter:

Most likely they are keeping a tight watch and control of the system performance and applying needed updates (software) to the vehicle. One should slowly see increased service interval levels as the platforms stabilise.

On the other hand, a manufacturer has to think from a common user perspective, you might be an exception to this with DIY knowledge and skill level and till the right to repair takes off big time, things may not change with any of these manufacturers.

Here's what BHPian Alfresco had to say about the matter:

We own a Nexon EV and have driven it more than 40000kms in less than 2 years! It is giving a range of around 220-240kms. I live near Sariska National Park and so do trips to Delhi and Jaipur regularly (I keep speeds around 75kmph on highways).

Full service interval is every 15000kms and check-up is every 7500kms. Your car shall start giving you service warnings when you approach 7500kms since the last service. During check-ups, I am generally charged around Rs.1000-1200 for washing, checking some nuts and bolts and running diagnostics and, I believe, getting a data dump in the process.

15000 kms service will cost you around Rs. 1500-2000 max.

I get servicing done at either Classic Motors, Alwar or Roshan Motors, Jaipur. Never had a problem with service or unnecessary billing with either.

The cost of maintaining and running an EV is incredibly low! Reminds me of the original Hero-Honda ad; Fill it, shut it, forget it!

Here's what BHPian cijoalex had to say about the matter:

I had a chance to test drive a few electric cars recently. And was pleasantly surprised with the service interval of the Volvo XC40 recharge, which is 30000 Kilometers. And more importantly, they offer the first three services (ie up to 90000 KM's) service as free.

Here's what BHPian aim120 had to say about the matter:

This is a trend all manufacturers will start following since the main revenue for dealers and even car manufacturers is in service and spares, where the profit margins can exceed 1000%.

The main reason we service ICE-powered cars every 6 months to 1 year is to change engine oil, and oil filter. The oil is in direct contact with the combustion carbon, outside air and fuel.

An EV motor like some of your household pumps can be oil-cooled, coolant-cooled and dual-cooled but is sealed from outside elements. Even in a Honda ICE powered car like Jazz the coolant filled has to be replaced every 2 lakh km or 10 years.

In all inductive devices like motors, transformers etc which are oil-cooled, you don't change the oil until there is a leak.

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