Electric Vehicle Maintenance
It’s true — electric vehicles require different scheduled service needs. With electric motors, you won’t be going in for regular oil changes. There are many perks to owning an electric vehicle when it comes to maintenance. EV owners can enjoy all the benefits available to every Ford Owner — and more — including the Ford Power Promise™ available for new electric Ford vehicle purchases and leases on or after 10/1/24. Check out the video, and this full article, to get more details on EV-specific care.
Schedule Service
Time for a checkup? Be sure to set up regular service at your Ford Dealer with technicians who know your electric vehicle inside out.
EV-Specific Care
- Preconditioning — While your vehicle is plugged in, you can prepare your battery, cabin,180 and even your steering wheel, to optimize your comfort and your vehicle’s performance.
- For daily use, we recommend a 90% charge level for Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) batteries. Avoid charging to 100% except when maximum range is needed for longer trips. For Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, we recommend 100% charge level at least once per month. Not sure which one you have? This article will help you identify your battery type.
- Maintain a healthy battery by keeping your electric vehicle charged when not in use. Set a minimum 50% charge and start and move your vehicle at least once every 15 days to help maintain lubrication and help prevent corrosion.
- Rotate tires every 12 months/10,000 miles. Regular rotation helps maintain even tread wear.
- Regenerative braking helps minimize wear and tear on your friction brakes, so you may not need to replace brake pads as often. That being said, you can make sure you keep your friction brakes in good working order by applying occasional braking in your driving routine.
- Check your 12V battery regularly. In an EV, the 12V battery powers many of the internal systems of your vehicle and is also instrumental in completing software updates. Check connections for corrosion and monitor charge levels to help keep your vehicle running smoothly.
General Vehicle Care
Of course there are some basics you’ll still need to do, too — and your Ford Dealer is here to help:
- Software updates add even more features and capabilities. Schedule updates at a convenient time for you, like overnight, for seamless updates to keep your tech current.5
- Visit your preferred Ford Dealer for an annual Multi-Point Inspection, which evaluates brakes, tires, fluids, cabin air filter, battery, and more.
- Replace brake fluid following your maintenance schedule.
- Replace transmission fluid to keep rear and (if equipped) front drive differentials performing optimally. Electric motors require less frequent fluid changes than gas-powered engines due to using a single gear. Refer to your maintenance schedule for service.
- Replace coolant following your maintenance schedule.
- Check washer fluid level and wipers year-round.
- Confirm all interior and exterior lights are working.
- Check your tires (including your spare) for wear and pressure. Depending on your model, tire pressure can be viewed on your in-vehicle touchscreen or instrument panel.
Regular maintenance checks can optimize vehicle performance. Find a complete list of maintenance needs in your Owner’s Manual and schedule service at your preferred Ford Dealer.
To help track maintenance needs, activate your vehicle modem5 and your FordPass® account to get maintenance and service notifications in your vehicle and in the FordPass App.164
Ford EV-Specific Benefits
- Ford Roadside Assistance166 comes with the purchase of your Ford electric vehicle and is good for the first five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you need a tow, we are here to help.
- Our dealers are your electric vehicle champions and will deliver the expert service only the manufacturer can do.
- Live support on your home charging setup and BlueOval™ Charge Network onboarding support for public charging, too.
- Find public charging easily through Ford Connected Navigation11 and the FordPass App.164
- Enjoy our 8-year/100,000-mile high-voltage limited battery warranty.*
- Want more protection? Our Ford Protect options offer plans specific for electric vehicles.
- Shop Ford Accessories. Help take care of your electric vehicle with all-weather mats and bedliners. Add peace of mind with a Ford Mobile Power Cord.
- Find all the support you need as an electric vehicle owner at EV HQ.
Ford Power Promise Benefits for EV Owners
- The Ford Power Promise is our commitment to electric vehicle confidence from day one. Every new electric Ford vehicle purchased or leased between 10/1/24 and 1/2/25 is eligible for a complimentary home charger and standard installation,** along with 24/7 Live Support (excluding E-Transit™ Van),† and so much more.
- Complimentary Ford Charge Station Pro**
- Complimentary standard installation of Ford Charge Station Pro by QMerit LLC**
- 24/7 Live Support (excluding E-Transit Van) — Text a dedicated Ford advisor for complimentary onboarding support on topics, including charging, Ford BlueCruise, and software updates. Proactive charging support and towing give you peace of mind if you run out of charge. When you opt in, Ford advisors are notified if your vehicle’s charge reaches zero and will reach out to you with a text or phone call to help you get a tow to the dealership, charge station, or home, if needed.†
- Enjoy our 8-year/100,000-mile high-voltage limited battery warranty.*
General Ford Benefits
- Software Updates. Get convenient, routine, updates to help keep your Ford vehicle performing at its peak with the latest tech we have to offer. Learn how to set your schedule.
- Earn and redeem FordPass® Rewards Points†† on service appointments, parts, accessories, and even new vehicle purchases.
- Ford Pickup & Delivery‡ brings our vehicle service to your doorstep. We will pick up your vehicle, service it at our dealership, and return it to you when service is complete.
- Ford Mobile Service‡‡ meets you where you are. Our technicians can perform a lot of the same services remotely that we do in the dealership.
- Explore our extensive list of additional Ford Owner benefits, including Roadside Assistance,166 online service scheduling, and much more.
FAQs
What electric vehicles does Ford offer?
How do I store my electric vehicle long term?
If you plan on storing your electric vehicle for more than 30 days, here are the long-term storage steps you can follow.
How do I store my electric vehicle short term?
If you plan on storing your electric vehicle for a week or two, here are the short-term storage steps you can follow.
Does EV Roadside Assistance come with my vehicle?
EV Roadside Assistance166 comes with the purchase of your Ford electric vehicle and is good for the first five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you ever run out of charge on the road, we’re here to help.
Related Topics
EV Limited Battery Warranty
Software Updates FAQs
How do I pay for public charging?
*See your dealer and the Battery Electric Vehicle Warranty Guide for limited warranty details.
**Must purchase or lease a new Ford F-150® Lightning®, Mustang Mach-E®, or E-Transit™ Cargo Van vehicles from a participating Ford Dealer between 10/1/24 and 1/2/25 to be eligible to receive (a) one (1) complimentary Ford Charge Station Pro (Ford charger model may vary based on availability) with complimentary home installation or (b) $1,000 Bonus Cash. No trade-in required. Offer not available to fleet or commercial customers. Complimentary home installation must be performed through Qmerit Electrification LLC at a residential location with a dedicated electrical meter; restrictions may apply based on structural and electrical limitations. Installation must be completed by 6/30/25. For all offers, must take retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by 1/2/25. See your Ford Dealer for details and terms.
†Available only for Ford F-150® Lightning® and Mustang Mach-E® vehicle owners. Message and data rates may apply. By texting, you agree to receive text messages. Text HELP for information. Text STOP to cancel. Privacy policy at www.ford.com/help/privacy/. Customer must agree to the Ford Electric Vehicle 24/7 Live Support Service Terms and opt in to phone and text communications for 24/7 Live Support and proactive charging support. Not available on select holidays including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, day after Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
††Must have an activated FordPass® Rewards account within 60 days of qualifying activity to receive FordPass Rewards Points. Points are not redeemable for cash and have no monetary value. Point earning and redemption values are approximate and vary by products and services redeemed. See FordPass Rewards Program Terms at FordPassRewards.com regarding expiration, redemption, forfeiture, and other limitations on FordPass Rewards Points.
‡Ford Pickup & Delivery and Ford Mobile Service are offered by participating dealers and may be limited based on availability, distance, or other dealer-specified criteria. Does not include parts or repair charges. A nonoperational vehicle is not eligible for Ford Pickup & Delivery and will require a Roadside event.