Where’s the motor? What happens when you take your EV for a service

The reaction to our story the other day about Doug, and his Hyundai Ioniq, and the $40 bill he was sent from his mechanic for “oil” for his EV, got me thinking.

So, as an experiment, I imagined that I had taken my Tesla Model 3 standard range plus to a regular garage, and asked for a service. Just to see what happens.

Here is the (imaginery) invoice:

Invoice number 00531

Dinosaurs’ Burner Garage, Bedrock

Car serviced by: Fredrick  Stoneflint –  chief Mechanic

Service – 60,000 km Tesla Model 3 SR + Licence plate EWE 420

1. Carry out complete global diagnostic system (GDS) check
2. Inspect battery terminals & condition – 12V

[Mechanic reports that there appears to be a larger battery to which he was unable to gain access, suggest that this be checked as a matter of urgency]

3. Inspect disc brakes & pads

[Mechanic reports suspiciously little wear, discuss driving habits with customer]

4. Inspect front suspension ball joints
5. Inspect operation of lights, indicators, etc
6. Fill up blinker fluid
7. Inspect tyres including pressure & tread wear

[ Mechanic reports excessive wear on back tyres – possibly due to launch syndrome]

8. Lube door, boot, bonnet hinges & latches and brake calipers
9. Air-conditioner oil change
10. Oil disposal charge as per environmental protection standards$40

Customer requests

11. Unjam glovebox
12. Inspect and adjust volume control -teenager reports unable to turn down the karaoke .

Urgent Action – Mechanic unable to find motor, exhaust, petrol tank and many other essential parts etc. These will need to be installed immediately to avoid voiding the warranty.

Total:  $180 – cash/credit/ Karaoke

David Waterworth is a researcher and writer, a retired teacher who divides his time between looking after his grandchildren and trying to make sure they have a planet to live on. He owns 50 shares of Tesla.