Maintenance on electric and hybrid vehicles is, for various reasons, simpler than maintenance performed on traditional vehicles, i.e., vehicles with internal combustion engines. This article will focus on the maintenance of electric and hybrid vehicles, specifically regarding the electrical components, and the safety requirements necessary for intervention.

The main distinction in the maintenance of the two types of vehicles is naturally the type of propulsion, with the greater simplicity associated with maintenance in the case of hybrid vehicles being directly related to the electrical component of the vehicle. The benefits of regenerative braking, the smaller number of moving components and fluids compared to traditional vehicles, mean that there are fewer maintenance costs associated with electric or hybrid vehicles.

"Regarding regenerative braking, since the mechanism recovers kinetic energy by opposing the vehicle's movement, the energy that would dissipate through the brake discs and pads is converted into electrical energy and stored in the high-voltage battery. Thus, it is natural that not only wear on the vehicle's braking system but also associated costs are substantially lower. However, it should be noted that this does not mean that the need for maintenance in the braking system should be entirely neglected, as it may compromise the safety of vehicle occupants.

Regarding fluids, the equipment comprising electric and hybrid vehicles generally have less need for fluids associated with their operation, thus not requiring associated maintenance. Consequently, some manufacturers make it impossible to access fluids, isolating and sealing them within the vehicle's structure or components. However, similar to traditional vehicles, the coolant fluids for the high-voltage battery, brake system fluids, and windshield washer fluid reservoir must be maintained and checked during any maintenance procedure. In some manufacturers, there are even gearbox fluids that need to be periodically replaced.

Low-voltage batteries or 12V batteries are components common to all vehicles. In electric and hybrid vehicles, this battery is essential for ensuring power supply to the high-voltage system and the operation of the vehicle's accessory components, such as certain functions of the onboard computer, windows, airbags, and interior and exterior lights. Although not included in maintenance plans designed by manufacturers, its verification should be ensured.

High-voltage batteries do not require periodic maintenance. However, as the component responsible for the vehicle's propulsion, it is extremely important to ensure its correct operation. This component tends to become less efficient over time; however, intervention in the high-voltage battery is recommended only when the vehicle displays an error message or exhibits abnormal behavior. Intervention in the high-voltage battery involves replacement with a new battery or testing and replacement of individual cells or internal battery modules.

The examples presented allow us to conclude that, compared to traditional vehicles, maintenance is much more simplified due to fewer components needing replacement or intervention. However, this does not mean that the intervention skills of technicians are dispensable. In terms of safety during intervention, especially due to the electrical component of vehicles, precautions must be doubled to prevent accidents.

Unlike traditional vehicles, the electrical working voltage of the electrical component of electric and hybrid vehicles can cause serious health damage to operators. In many systems, electrical voltages reach 600V. The danger does not result directly from the electrical voltage but from the combination of electrical voltage with other electrical concepts and characteristics of the propagation medium, specifically, electrical voltage with current intensity, duration of the effect, frequency and abrupt variation of the current, contact pressure, and human body resistance. According to Ohm's law and as represented in Figure 1, electrical voltage is equal to the resistance of a body multiplied by the current intensity passing through that body. In this sense, a high electrical voltage (V), combined with reduced human body resistance (Ω), means high electrical current intensity (I). On the contrary, the higher the contact resistance with the ground (for example, rubber soles), the lower the current passing through the body. That said, the severity of bodily harm in the event of an accident is directly influenced by the combination of these factors.