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

One of the best things about converting your classic car to an EV is that driving in Winter is a doddle! The cars just start when you want to drive, don't need a complicated starting or warm-up procedure, and the time you will have saved on maintainance work!

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 small 12V battery and check it regularly for corrosion and damage. This is essential for powering your lights, horn, indicator, and of course starting the EV systems. Check this periodically, and if the car is being stored for a period of time, then disconnecting it will prevent any drain on the battery.

With the main High Voltage traction battery keeping it charged up periodically is good practice and if stored, most battery manufacturers recommend keeping the battery charged above 20% and not to exceed 80%. Of course, in general usage, charging up to 100% is totally fine.

The same goes for fast charging – if you do this too regularly, it can cause degradation in the long term. Best practice would be to use it when required, but use AC charging for the majority of the time when fast charging isn't required.

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. Generally, converted classic cars are not heavier, but with modern EVs, where they frequently are heavier, this weight can sometimes have an effect on the suspension and tyre wear so that will be part of the service checks.

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.

Cermaic coating is a worthwhile upgarde, to keep the paintwork looking its best for years to come. We can supply this and have preferential rates for our subscribers. Contact us for more information.

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.

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:

Servicing & Repairs

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.