EV Trucks service costs are not always less

The common perception with any EV Truck is that the service and maintenance costs are lower in all aspects. Whilst this can be true for some Truck brands, it is not always the case. Service intervals vary across each truck brand - ranging from 10k to 30k-40k service intervals.

When comparing the labour time to perform the schedule service based on the manufacturer's requirements, EV Trucks have lesser labour requirements. This is due to the lesser complexity and moving parts in the truck.

A Diesel truck may require 4 to 6 hours of labour time, depending on the service interval. Where an EV Truck requires 2 to 3 hours. This is the first major saving with labour hours. Today Truck dealerships charge around $150 to $180 labour rates, and it becomes clear that a 2-hour service will cost around $300-$400 in labour for an EV Truck and $600 to $900 for the Diesel Truck (using $150 rate) Parts and sundry items are additional to the above

However, that is only part of the story - the service interval can vary greatly. Many well-known brands of Diesel Trucks are at 30k service intervals as are some EV Brands. BUT there are also many new EV Trucks brands that are stuck in the past with older technology in respect of the chassis, suspensions, axles etc. and the EV design is a bit of an afterthought in some respects (creating issues for service access). This group is still set at 10k service intervals. When doing the calculations, it becomes very clear that this group of EV trucks will cost more than a Diesel equivalent, as you will need to service the truck more often.

As example -

A Light Duty EV truck completing 50k per annum requires five services

A Light Duty Diesel truck would require two services

EV Truck will cost around $1500 in labour time

Diesel Truck will cost $1200 in labour time

Unfortunately, these EV brands don't meet the market expectation of lower maintenance costs for EV.

Service costs are only one part of buying an EV Truck, just make sure you select a brand that is not stuck in the past with inferior technology

The total cost of ownership for EV Trucks is still lower that Diesel trucks in most instances - just choose the right brands