
EV & HYBRID FAQs
Frequently Asked
Questions
Welcome to the EV Labs FAQ section! Many people believe that electric vehicles require no maintenance, but that's a misconception. Our FAQ aims to address all your EV-related questions, providing clarity on the care and upkeep of your electric vehicle. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact our team of EV experts today for personalized assistance and support.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are a blast to drive, there’s no denying that! With their instant torque and incredible performance potential, EVs deliver a thrilling ride. But let’s be real: all that fun takes a toll on your vehicle. In fact, EVs can wear out suspension components just as fast, if not faster, than traditional vehicles. That’s why staying on top of regular maintenance is key to keeping your EV in top shape.
Typical EV maintenance includes suspension and ride control system checks, battery health assessments, software updates, brake inspections, tire rotations, and coolant system checks. And while EVs have fewer moving parts compared to conventional cars, resulting in less frequent repairs, it’s still crucial to follow (or exceed!) the manufacturer’s service guidelines. Regular inspections ensure your EV stays smooth, safe, and ready for the next exciting drive.
Let’s face it, EVs are just too fun to ignore. Taking care of them is the least we can do for all the joy they bring!
No, you do not need to return to the dealership for maintenance or repairs to keep your warranty valid. In Canada, the Consumer Protection Act gives you the right to choose any certified repair facility, as long as the shop follows the manufacturer’s recommended services at the correct milage/date intervals and uses the correct parts and fluids, your warranty remains fully protected.
At EV LAB Victoria, we provide expert EV and Hybrid maintenance that meets or exceeds manufacturer standards, so you can confidently service your vehicle with us knowing your warranty is safe. And if we find something that may be covered under warranty, we’ll help you navigate the process with the dealership. Having an unbiased expert team looking out for you and your vehicle is not only smart, it’s peace of mind. ⚡🚗
Yes! At EV LAB Victoria, our team of Red Seal technicians, EV-trained specialists, and manufacturer-certified experts are fully equipped to service your Tesla with precision and care. We handle everything from those pesky suspension concerns, diagnostics and battery repairs to brakes, tires, and routine maintenance, all with access to genuine Tesla parts for quality and reliability.
Unlike Tesla’s service centers, we can perform many repairs they will not, saving you both time and money without ever sacrificing quality. In fact, Tesla employees have told us they wish they could do what we do!
We stock many commonly needed Tesla parts, can order directly from Tesla, and also work with trusted Tesla parts suppliers to source components quickly and efficiently. With EV LAB Victoria, you get a personal specialized level care that a you just can't from a service center. We invite you to come in and meet our team to experience the difference. High Voltage - High Standards⚡🚗
Even though electric vehicles require less maintenance than traditional gas-powered cars, regular service is absolutely vital to keeping them performing at their best and maintaining your warrenty.
Most EVs should be serviced every 12 months, with tire rotations about every 6 months, depending on your manufacturer’s recommendations. Routine EV maintenance includes battery health checks, suspension and brake inspections, software updates, and manufacturer-specific services based on mileage or age.
These critical maintenance steps must be performed by qualified EV technicians, like our certified team at EV LAB Victoria, to ensure your vehicle remains in top condition and continues to meet manufacturer warranty requirements. Regular maintenance isn’t just recommended, it’s how you protect your investment and keep your EV performing at its peak for years to come.
A well-maintained EV can deliver many miles of reliable performance from its high-voltage battery. However, when the time comes for a replacement, the team at EV LAB Victoria is here to help. We specialize in finding solutions, including sourcing a "new-to-you" battery, often at a cost comparable to replacing the engine and drivetrain in a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.
Signs that your EV battery may need replacement include:
- A noticeable decrease in driving range
- The need for more frequent charging
- Error messages related to battery performance
Our skilled technicians can run advanced diagnostic tests to evaluate your battery's health and provide expert guidance on your next steps. At EV LAB Victoria, we're committed to keeping your EV running efficiently and affordably.
Absolutely! At EV LAB Victoria, our certified EV technicians are experts in servicing all the major names in the electric vehicle world, Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Chevrolet, Ford, Rivian, Polestar, and more. With advanced training and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, we handle everything from routine maintenance to complex high-voltage repairs with precision and care.
Our technicians perform repairs and services specific to your vehicle, following manufacturer standards while often being able to present repair and maintenance options that dealerships simply cannot, offering you greater flexibility and value without compromising quality or warranty compliance.
Whether you need a quick check-up or an in-depth diagnostic, EV LAB Victoria has the expertise, technology, and experience to keep your EV performing at its best. Trust your electric ride with the EV specialists who know it inside and out.
If your EV is having charging issues, don’t panic! It might seem like a major concern, but our team of EV and Hybrid experts at EV LAB Victoria often finds there’s a simple reason and solution behind the fault. Charging problems can stem from many sources, a faulty port, a misbehaving charger, or even a quick software reset needed in your vehicle.
The best move? Contact us immediately so we can set up a time to diagnose and sort it out. Our certified technicians will quickly pinpoint the issue so that we can present yu with what is required to get you back on the road (and charging smoothly) in no time.
You’ll often hear that “EV tires aren’t a thing” or that “any tire will do as long as it has the right load rating.” Those statements usually come from well-meaning folks, maybe your car-guy neighbor (and hey, we’re sure they’re a legendary neighbor!), but they’re often providing opinions, not facts.
When you talk with people who actually design, manufacture, and work with tires every day, you start to understand the real challenges behind EV tire engineering. EVs put unique demands on their tires: they’re heavier, deliver instant torque, require low rolling resistance for range, and are so quiet that tire noise becomes one of the most noticeable sounds inside the cabin.
That’s why it’s so important to use tires specifically engineered for electric vehicles. At EV LAB Victoria, we’re proud to be an authorized dealer for Continental and Michelin EV tires, designed to handle the weight, torque, and silence your EV demands. Plus, our team performs regular inspections and rotations to ensure your tires stay in top shape, so your EV continues to perform safely, efficiently, and quietly for years to come.
The well-known “20–80% rule” for EV charging comes from the early days of electric vehicles, when battery technology was still new and engineers were learning how to best protect long-term battery health. That said, it’s still a good habit to follow, keeping your battery between 20% and 80% during everyday use can help preserve its longevity over time.
However, don’t be afraid to charge to 100% when you need to, especially for road trips or longer drives. That’s exactly what your EV was designed for. Occasional full charges won’t harm a modern EV battery, but being mindful of your charging habits certainly won’t hurt.
You’ll also notice that when charging at public stations, it’s not always worth topping up to 100%, charging speeds slow dramatically in the final 10–20%, meaning you’ll spend more time and money for minimal added range (and keep others waiting in line).
In short, charge smart, not just full, your battery, your wallet, and your fellow drivers will all thank you. For more EV tips, visit the EV LAB News section for expert insights on charging, maintenance, and maximizing performance.
If you notice a drop in your EV’s range, don’t panic, there’s no need for concern until it’s been properly diagnosed by our team at EV LAB Victoria. Range loss can happen for a number of reasons, including battery condition, driving style, weather, or terrain, but we’ve also seen it caused by mechanical factors that are easy to overlook.
A poor tire choice, low or uneven tire pressure, bad alignment, or even brakes that need servicing and are dragging slightly can all reduce efficiency and range more than most drivers realize. Before assuming it’s a battery issue, let our EV and Hybrid specialists perform a full diagnostic inspection. We’ll make sure your tires, brakes, alignment, and charging system are all working together so your EV delivers its maximum range, performance, and efficiency.
Not all public chargers are created equal, so it’s a good idea to double-check your vehicle’s charging specs before you plug in. And if a charger looks damaged, it’s best to skip it to avoid any surprises (and potential repair costs)! For a smoother charging experience, be sure to check out EV LAB Victoria's blogs in the EV LAB News section, they’re packed with charging tips and etiquette to help you power up with ease!