We ask: Do electric cars need diagnostics too? Discover why regular diagnostic checks are essential for maintaining battery health, software updates, and vehicle safety in EVs.

Do Electric Cars Still Need Diagnostic Checks?

Electric cars need diagnostic checks just like traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. While electric vehicles (EVs) have fewer moving parts and typically need less mechanical maintenance, they rely on complex electronic systems and advanced software. 

These systems manage everything from battery performance and power distribution to regenerative braking and climate control. 

As a result, diagnostic checks are essential for identifying potential issues and ensuring the system's efficiency and long-term reliability.

One of the main components of an electric car is its high-voltage battery pack, which requires careful monitoring to ensure it charges, discharges, and operates safely and efficiently. A diagnostic check can reveal early signs of battery degradation, temperature imbalances, or faults in the battery management system.

Electric cars also have intricate electrical control units (ECUs) and sensors that manage systems like motor control, charging, infotainment, and driver-assistance technologies. 

Any issues within these systems can affect the vehicle's performance, safety and energy efficiency. A diagnostic scan allows technicians to find any errors, software bugs, or hardware malfunctions and resolve them before they escalate into bigger problems.

Regular diagnostic checks allow EV owners to keep their vehicles operating at peak performance by having technicians repair minor issues before they escalate into expensive repairs. This preventative approach enhances your overall safety and preserves the vehicle’s value over time.

How Diagnostics Help With Battery Health

Diagnostic checks are vital for preserving the health and efficiency of electric vehicle batteries. As the most important component in an EV, the battery pack must function reliably. 

Routine diagnostics can help detect early signs of degradation, uncover system faults, and check that the battery management system (BMS) is functioning properly.

EV batteries consist of hundreds and even thousands of individual cells that are organized into modules and packs. These packs are constantly monitored by the BMS, which regulates charging, discharging, and thermal management. A diagnostic check taps into the BMS and gives technicians detailed information on each cell’s voltage, temperature, state of charge, and overall condition.

Overheating or poor temperature regulation can significantly reduce your EV's battery lifespan and, in extreme cases, pose safety risks. Through diagnostic checks, technicians can assess whether the battery’s cooling systems, such as the fans, coolant pumps, or thermal sensors are functioning properly.

What Can Go Wrong in an Electric Car?

Electric vehicles rely on complex electronic systems, software, and high-voltage components, which can all develop faults over time. Diagnostic checks can be used to identify these issues early on, prevent breakdowns and maintain your vehicle's performance.

Battery health is one of the main concerns in an electric vehicle. Over time, individual battery cells can start to degrade or develop faults, leading to a decrease in driving range or problems with charging. A diagnostic check can evaluate the condition of each cell and track the performance of the battery management system (BMS).

Problems with the onboard charger, charging connectors, or software updates can disrupt the vehicle’s ability to charge effectively. A diagnostic scan can accurately identify the source of the issue, whether it’s a hardware malfunction or a software error, and enable the technicians to conduct the appropriate repairs.

EVs also depend on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), regenerative braking, and thermal management systems. Issues with these systems, such as a malfunctioning sensor or a software error, can affect your safety, comfort, and efficiency. Diagnostic checks allow technicians to retrieve real-time data and fault codes, and ensure these systems function properly.

While electric vehicles need less mechanical maintenance, they are still complex machines with many electronic components. Regular diagnostic checks can help detect potential issues early on and ensure your vehicle operates safely and reliably.

Spotting Software and Sensor Problems Early

While electric vehicles have fewer mechanical components, their dependence on electronic systems makes them susceptible to software glitches and sensor failures. Early diagnostic checks can help identify these issues before they escalate into more serious problems or impact the vehicle’s performance and safety.

EVs use a range of sensors to monitor temperature, braking force, tyre pressure, battery voltage, lane position, and more. These sensors communicate with the vehicle’s control units to ensure that these systems function as expected. 

If one or more sensors provide inaccurate readings or fail entirely, it can cause malfunctions in critical systems such as regenerative braking, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), or battery management.

Software is essential for managing and synchronising the systems in an electric vehicle, and updates are often needed to fix bugs, enhance performance, or add new functions. However, software can become corrupted or incompatible, particularly if an update is disrupted or improperly installed. 

Without the use of diagnostic tools, pinpointing whether a problem stems from software, hardware, or a sensor malfunction can be challenging and time-consuming.

At Nene Jag Specialists Ltd, we provide professional Jaguar diagnostic services to accurately identify and resolve engine, braking, steering, and electrical issues. Our experts ensure your Jaguar stays in peak condition and performs safely and reliably on the road.