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Caring For Your Classic EV: Retroelectric’s top maintenance tips


Blue electric classic VW Beetle converted by Retroelectric

One of the best things about converting your classic car to an EV is the time and money you save on maintenance.


That being said, you still need to keep on top of servicing and care for it just as you would with any classic.


Here are some of our top tips:


EV Battery Care


To help keep up optimal performance, make sure you’re taking care of the battery and check it regularly for corrosion and damage.


The main thing you need to watch is how you’re charging your EV and for how long – if this is done incorrectly, then you’ll be shortening its lifespan and significantly reducing its range. This means you shouldn’t leave it on charge unnecessarily.


It’s best to keep the charge above 20% and not to exceed 80% most of the time, this should more than cover you for regular short trips. If you’re planning on travelling that bit further, charging to 100% is fine.


White car with charging cable painted onto green background

The same goes for fast charging – if you do this too regularly, then it can cause degradation in the long term. High voltage and rapid charging puts more pressure on the battery, so it gets worn down more quickly.


EV Motor Maintenance

Regular checks will help keep the motor running smoothly. Unlike ICE cars, EV motors have few parts so they’re much easier to maintain.


Annual servicing carried out by a professional will usually be sufficient. This will usually start with a check using a diagnostic machine which will detect any possible faults.


Thanks to regenerative braking, you should expect the need for fewer disc and pad changes, but the extra weight from the EV can mean they’ll be under more pressure, so they’ll need to be checked out too. The extra weight and torque can sometimes have an effect on the suspension and tyre wear so that will be part of the service checks.



Side shot of electric car motor

General maintenance for your classic EV


It may have ultra-modern technology underneath, but let’s not forget you’ve still got a classic so you need to treat it as such.


The best method for washing is by hand – this helps preserve the paintwork and the electrics, and it is the most eco-friendly option. Jet washing is also fine, but take care to avoid the underbody or anywhere the electrical components might be reached.


And don’t forget to look after that stunning interior and use the right products for the materials. If you’ve got leather seats and/or trimming, UV-blocking creams will help preserve and maintain them for longer. Dirty floors can retain dampness and cause rusting so regular vacuuming is recommended.


Even if you have a garage, a cover is always a good idea. It should be breathable so use a purpose-built one so avoid issues with condensation and mould. Silicone pouches and leaving the windows slightly open are an effective way of fighting off the mould too.



Red classic car being hand washed

Caring for your EV with Retroelectric


As always, you should make sure your classic is checked by professionals at least once a year. Whether we have converted your car or not, Retroelectric can help with regular servicing for your classic EV.


If you haven’t got a classic, but you do have an EV – we can help with that too, we now offer servicing and repairs for modern EVs such as Tesla. Click on the below to see our full list of EV maintenance and repair services:




About Us: At Retroelectric we take what’s truly great about classic cars and improve upon the parts that aren’t. We take iconic cars of the 1960s and 1970s and refit them with clean electric engines, luxurious interiors and choice upgrades. 

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