One of the biggest advantages of owning an electric vehicle (EV) in the USA is lower maintenance costs compared to gasoline cars. EVs have fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and simpler drivetrains, which means fewer breakdowns and less routine servicing. Still, electric cars are not maintenance-free, and many automakers and third-party companies offer EV maintenance plans to keep your vehicle in top shape.
For budget-conscious EV owners, the key question is: What is the cheapest EV maintenance plan in USA in 2025? This guide explores average EV maintenance costs, what’s included in service plans, and the most affordable options available for different electric car brands.
Why Do EVs Have Cheaper Maintenance?
Unlike gasoline cars, EVs do not require:
- Oil changes
- Transmission fluid replacements
- Spark plug changes
- Exhaust system repairs
EV maintenance usually focuses on:
- Tire rotation and alignment
- Brake inspections (brakes last longer thanks to regenerative braking)
- Battery health checks
- Cabin air filter replacements
- Software updates
On average, EV owners spend 30–40% less on maintenance than traditional car owners. According to AAA, the annual maintenance cost of an EV is about $950, compared to $1,300–$1,500 for gas-powered vehicles.
What’s Included in EV Maintenance Plans?
Most EV maintenance plans include:
- Scheduled checkups (every 10,000–15,000 miles)
- Tire services (rotation, balancing, alignment)
- Battery diagnostics and cooling system checks
- Multi-point vehicle inspections
- Software and firmware updates
- Replacement of filters, fluids (coolant, brake fluid)
Some premium plans may also include roadside assistance and extended warranty coverage.
Cheapest EV Maintenance Plans in USA by Brand
Tesla
- Plan Type: Pay-as-you-go (no traditional prepaid maintenance plan)
- Average Cost: $400–$600 per year
- Details: Tesla recommends servicing every 2 years or 25,000 miles. Costs cover tire rotations, brake fluid replacement every 2–3 years, and battery coolant checks. Since Tesla has fewer moving parts, total maintenance costs are among the lowest in the industry.
Nissan (Ariya / Leaf)
- Plan: Nissan EV Service Contract
- Cost: $15–$25 per month (~$500–$700 over 3 years)
- Details: Covers routine maintenance like tire rotations, cabin filter replacement, and battery inspections. Nissan also offers extended battery coverage options.
Hyundai (Ioniq 5 / Kona EV)
- Plan: Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance (first 3 years/36,000 miles free)
- Cost After Free Plan: $350–$500 per year
- Details: Hyundai is one of the cheapest EVs to maintain thanks to free coverage for the first 3 years. After that, service costs remain below average compared to other brands.
Kia (EV6 / Niro EV)
- Plan: Kia Care Service Plan
- Cost: $16–$22 per month (~$600 over 3 years)
- Details: Covers tire rotation, battery checks, and system inspections. Kia’s warranty (10 years/100,000 miles on battery) makes ownership more affordable long-term.
Ford (Mustang Mach-E / F-150 Lightning)
- Plan: Ford Protect EV Maintenance Plan
- Cost: $20–$25 per month (~$700–$900 over 3 years)
- Details: Includes scheduled maintenance, roadside assistance, and multi-point inspections. Slightly higher than Hyundai and Kia, but still cheaper than most gas SUVs.
Chevrolet (Bolt EUV / Equinox EV)
- Plan: Chevrolet Pre-Paid Maintenance
- Cost: $15–$20 per month (~$500–$650 over 3 years)
- Details: Covers tire rotation, inspections, and EV system checks. Chevy’s plans are among the most budget-friendly in the U.S.
Volkswagen (ID.4)
- Plan: VW Care EV
- Cost: $600–$800 for 3 years
- Details: Offers prepaid service packages that include all factory-recommended maintenance. Slightly more expensive than Hyundai or Nissan but still affordable.
Toyota (bZ4X)
- Plan: ToyotaCare (Free for 2 years/25,000 miles)
- Cost After Free Plan: $400–$550 per year
- Details: Covers tire rotations, battery inspections, and roadside assistance. One of the cheapest maintenance options thanks to free coverage upfront.
Third-Party EV Maintenance Plans
If you don’t want to stick with the manufacturer’s service plan, several third-party providers offer cheaper alternatives:
- AAA EV Maintenance Add-On: Covers roadside assistance and limited servicing. Costs around $10–$15 per month.
- CarShield EV Plans: Extended warranties and maintenance add-ons available, starting from $20 per month.
- Local EV Service Centers: Independent EV-certified mechanics may offer pay-per-service plans cheaper than dealerships.
Cheapest Overall EV Maintenance Options in 2025
Based on current pricing, the cheapest EV maintenance plans in USA are:
- Hyundai (Free for 3 years) – Best upfront savings
- Toyota (Free for 2 years) – Affordable after free coverage ends
- Chevrolet Prepaid Plan (~$500 over 3 years) – One of the lowest paid plans
- Nissan Service Plan (~$500–$700 over 3 years) – Budget-friendly option
- Tesla (Pay-as-you-go, ~$400/year) – Low long-term maintenance
Tips to Reduce EV Maintenance Costs
- Use regenerative braking to extend brake life
- Charge smartly – avoid overcharging to preserve battery health
- Keep tires inflated to avoid unnecessary wear
- Take advantage of free plans from Hyundai and Toyota before considering paid ones
- Claim federal and state incentives that sometimes include service discounts with new EV purchases
Conclusion
EV ownership in the USA is not just about saving on fuel—it also brings significant savings on maintenance. The cheapest EV maintenance plans in 2025 come from automakers like Hyundai, Toyota, Chevrolet, and Nissan, which either offer free service for the first few years or low-cost prepaid plans. Tesla remains one of the lowest-cost EVs to maintain thanks to its simple design and fewer required services.
For U.S. drivers looking for long-term savings, choosing an EV with a low-cost maintenance plan can reduce ownership expenses by thousands of dollars. If you’re planning to buy an EV in 2025, make sure to compare not just the purchase price, but also the maintenance plans—because that’s where the real savings begin.