Electric vehicles (EVs) have long been praised for their lower running and maintenance costs, and a new study from CDK Global has reinforced that belief with fresh data. According to their “EV Ownership Study” conducted in late 2024 and early 2025, many new EV owners start off thinking repairs will cost more than for a traditional gas-powered car—but that perception shifts after a few visits to the service bay. The reality? EVs are cheaper to maintain, with 53% of non-Tesla owners and 41% of Tesla owners reporting lower service costs compared to gasoline vehicles.

In addition to savings, convenience is on the rise. More EV owners are taking advantage of mobile service vans and dealership pick-up services, reducing the need to physically visit a dealership. In 2024, 19% of owners opted for mobile servicing—up from 14% the year before—while pick-up service usage also grew. These trends suggest that EV service is becoming not only more cost-effective but also more accessible and flexible.

However, the report also highlights areas for improvement. While EV repairs may cost less, they tend to take longer to complete. Tesla owners reported a 23% longer turnaround time compared to gas vehicles, while non-Tesla EV owners faced a 34% increase. Same-day repairs dropped from 40% in 2023 to just 28% in 2024, with more repairs now spilling into the next day. As EV adoption accelerates, legacy automakers and dealerships must continue expanding their EV service capacity and technician training.

The encouraging news is that even though 85% of EV owners visited a dealership for service in the first year of ownership, only 13% had to pay out-of-pocket—thanks to warranty coverage or recall-related repairs. As more EVs hit the road, this study serves as a call to action for automakers and dealerships alike: step up your EV service game, and you’ll win over more drivers making the switch to electric.