EV Service and Charging – Guide for Finland
Servicing an electric car is simpler than servicing a petrol car, but charging and battery health require specialist know-how. In this guide we explain what is checked during service, what charging costs and how to keep the battery in good condition even in winter.
What does EV servicing include?
- Brake check – regeneration reduces wear on the brake pads.
- Tyres and suspension – the same as in a combustion-engine car.
- Coolant and temperatures – cooling of the battery and motor.
- 12-volt starter battery – an EV also has an auxiliary battery.
- High-voltage system check – only at a specialist workshop.
Running costs: EV vs petrol
| Cost item | EV | Petrol car |
|---|---|---|
| Oil change | Not needed | Yes |
| Exhaust system | No | Yes |
| Brake pad wear | Lower (regeneration) | Normal |
| Service costs (3 years) | About 20–30% lower | Baseline |
Charging: at home or in public?
- Home charging (AC) – overnight from a standard socket or faster with a home charger. The cheapest way to charge.
- Workplace charging – often cheap or free.
- Fast charging (DC) – on the road: 50 kW gives about 200 km/h and 150 kW about 300 km/h of charging speed.
- Engine heater pole – an EV can also be charged from an engine heater pole.
How much does charging cost?
| Charging method | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Home charging (electricity + transfer) | €0.10–0.20/kWh |
| Workplace charging | Often below the home price |
| Fast charging (DC) | €0.30–0.45/kWh |
How do you keep the battery healthy?
- Keep the charge at 30–80% – avoid full charging and running on empty.
- Do not store the car fully charged or completely empty for a long time.
- Warm up the car and battery before winter driving – it extends the range.
- Monitor the battery’s State of Health (SOH), especially when buying a used EV.
Driving an EV in winter
- The range typically drops by 10–30% in cold weather – plan your charging.
- Pre-heating from the mains before departure saves the battery.
- Regeneration also works in winter and reduces brake wear.
Frequently asked questions
How much does EV servicing cost? Service costs for an EV are typically 20–30% lower than for a combustion-engine car, because there is no oil or exhaust system to change.
How often is an EV serviced? Most manufacturers recommend servicing once a year or every 20,000–30,000 km. The exact interval is in the owner’s manual.
How much does charging cost? Home charging costs about €0.10–0.20/kWh and fast charging €0.30–0.45/kWh. The energy for a hundred kilometres costs only a few euros with electricity.
How do you care for an EV battery? Keep the charge between 30 and 80%, avoid full charging and running on empty, and pre-heat the car in winter. The battery warranty is typically 8 years or 160,000–240,000 km.
Compare EV services
Find a specialist workshop near you: compare EV services by city. The most popular cities are Helsinki, Espoo and Oulu. Also read the guide to buying a used car or request a quote directly from a workshop.