Less Time in the Garage, More Time on the Job
For UK tradesmen, every day your van is off the road is a day you can’t earn. Maintenance costs and unexpected repairs aren’t just a nuisance — they hit your bottom line.
One of the most overlooked benefits of electric vans is just how little they need in terms of servicing compared to traditional diesel models. The difference isn’t small — it’s a fundamental change in how often you’ll see the inside of a workshop.
Why Electric Vans Require Less Maintenance
Diesel engines are complex machines with hundreds of moving parts, all of which wear out over time. Electric vans are mechanically simpler, with:
No clutch
No gearbox (just a single-speed transmission)
No exhaust system
No timing belt
No oil changes
Fewer moving parts mean fewer things that can fail — and fewer expensive parts to replace.
Routine Servicing: The Big Difference
A typical diesel van service schedule might include:
Oil and filter changes every 10,000–15,000 miles
Air filter replacement
Fuel filter replacement
Gearbox oil change
Clutch inspection and eventual replacement
With an electric van, routine servicing is mostly limited to:
Tyre rotation and replacement
Brake fluid changes
Cabin air filter changes
Software updates
That’s it. No oil. No fuel system checks. No exhaust repairs.
Brakes Last Longer on Electric Vans
Thanks to regenerative braking, electric vans use their motors to slow down, feeding energy back into the battery. This means:
Brake pads and discs wear far more slowly
Fewer brake replacements over the lifetime of the van
Reduced servicing costs and downtime
For city-based tradesmen who spend their days in stop-start traffic, this adds up to significant long-term savings.
Lower Risk of Breakdown
Breakdowns aren’t just expensive — they damage your reputation when you can’t show up for a job.
Electric vans don’t suffer from many of the common diesel failure points, such as:
Turbocharger failures
Fuel injector blockages
EGR valve problems
DPF (diesel particulate filter) clogging
With fewer mechanical systems to go wrong, electric vans are generally more reliable day-to-day.
No Emissions System Headaches
Modern diesels have complex emissions systems to meet UK regulations — DPFs, AdBlue systems, EGR valves — all of which can cause expensive problems if they fail.
Electric vans produce zero tailpipe emissions, meaning you’ll never have to deal with:
DPF regeneration issues
AdBlue top-ups and faults
MOT emissions test failures
Servicing Costs: Real-World Examples
In the UK, servicing a diesel van can cost £250–£400 per year for routine maintenance alone — more if something fails.
Electric vans often cost 30–50% less to service annually. For example:
Diesel van: Oil changes, filters, clutch checks, gearbox maintenance — £350/year average
Electric van: Tyres, brake fluid, cabin filter — £150–£200/year average
Over a five-year period, that’s a saving of £750–£1,000 or more, not including breakdown costs you’ve avoided.
Software Updates Keep Your Van in Top Shape
One unique advantage of modern electric vans like the Farizon SV is over-the-air software updates.
Rather than visiting a garage for certain improvements, the van’s onboard systems can be updated remotely to:
Improve battery efficiency
Add new driver assistance features
Fix minor software bugs
It’s like getting a free upgrade without taking time off the road.
Tyre and Suspension Wear Still Matter
Electric vans aren’t maintenance-free. Their batteries make them heavier than equivalent diesel vans, which can mean:
Slightly faster tyre wear if not rotated regularly
Suspension components that still need inspection and occasional replacement
But compared to the complexity of diesel engine maintenance, these are straightforward, predictable expenses.
Downtime: The Hidden Cost Saver
One of the biggest advantages for tradesmen is reduced downtime. If your van is in the workshop for three days waiting for a turbo replacement, that’s not just a repair bill — it’s three days of lost earnings.
With fewer mechanical failures, electric vans are less likely to leave you stranded and more likely to keep you on the job.
Predictable Running Costs for Better Cash Flow
Knowing your annual maintenance costs helps with budgeting. Electric vans have fewer surprise repair bills, meaning your cash flow is more stable — something every small business owner values.
This predictability is especially helpful if you run multiple vehicles and want to keep your fleet on the road without budget shocks.
Overcoming Misconceptions About EV Maintenance
“Electric vans are harder to repair.”
While EVs require specialist training for high-voltage systems, the day-to-day maintenance (tyres, brakes, suspension) is straightforward for most garages.
“Parts will be hard to find.”
Major EV manufacturers have established parts supply chains in the UK, and many components are simpler and more standardised than diesel equivalents.
“Battery replacement will cost a fortune.”
Batteries are designed to last the life of the van, often with warranties of 8 years or more. Degradation is minimal for most users.
The Bigger Picture: Reliability Builds Reputation
For tradesmen, reliability is more than a convenience — it’s part of your brand. Customers remember the tradesman who showed up on time and ready to work.
By choosing an electric van with fewer maintenance needs, you’re reducing the risk of letting clients down — and that can mean more repeat business and referrals.
Conclusion: Less Maintenance, More Earning Potential
Electric vans don’t just save money on fuel — they save you time, hassle, and costly workshop visits. With fewer moving parts, longer-lasting brakes, no emissions system headaches, and predictable servicing costs, they’re built for the demands of UK tradesmen.
If you want to see the difference for yourself, book a 24-hour test drive and experience how much smoother your business can run with an electric van.
Aug 10, 2025
