How Often Should a New Energy Electric Truck be Maintained and What to Maintain

Haoman 4.5 Tons Eletric Refrigerated Truck
With the continuous development of the new energy vehicle industry, new energy electric trucks are gradually becoming an important force in the logistics transportation field. Just like any other vehicle, proper maintenance is crucial for new energy electric trucks to ensure their optimal performance, reliability, and longterm service life. However, due to the differences in power systems and components compared to traditional fuelpowered trucks, the maintenance cycle and items of new energy electric trucks also have their own characteristics.

Xinghaishi 3.1 Ton Eletric Dry Van Truck

Influence Factors on Maintenance Cycle

The maintenance cycle of new energy electric trucks varies depending on different new energy vehicle models. Pure electric trucks generally have a relatively simpler maintenance structure compared to some hybrid electric trucks. Hybrid electric trucks, which combine both electric and internal combustion engine power systems, may have a maintenance cycle similar to that of fuelpowered trucks in some aspects. If truck owners are not fully aware of the maintenance cycle of their new energy electric trucks, it is highly recommended that they carefully read the vehicle’s maintenance manual. This can prevent potential malfunctions during use caused by untimely maintenance.

1. Vehicle Model and Power System

  • Pure Electric Trucks: These trucks rely solely on electric power, and their power systems mainly consist of batteries, motors, and related control units. Since there is no complex internal combustion engine and transmission system as in traditional trucks, the maintenance of mechanical components is relatively reduced. For example, without the need for engine oil changes, spark plug replacements, and transmission fluid checks, the overall maintenance frequency can be lower. However, the battery and motor systems, which are the core of pure electric trucks, require regular and meticulous inspection.
  • Hybrid Electric Trucks: These trucks combine the advantages of both electric and fuelpowered systems. The maintenance of hybrid electric trucks needs to take into account both the electric and the internal combustion engine parts. The maintenance cycle for the internal combustion engine part may follow a similar pattern to that of traditional fuelpowered trucks, including regular engine tuneups, oil changes, and filter replacements. At the same time, the electric part, such as the battery and electric motor, also requires specific maintenance according to its own characteristics.

2. Usage Conditions

  • Driving Frequency and Mileage: If a new energy electric truck is used frequently with high mileage, it will naturally require more frequent maintenance. For instance, a truck that is constantly on the road for longdistance transportation every day will experience more wear and tear on its components compared to a truck that is used only occasionally for shortdistance trips. Regular maintenance can help detect and address potential problems in a timely manner, ensuring the continuous safe operation of the vehicle.
  • Operating Environment: The operating environment also has a significant impact on the maintenance cycle. Trucks operating in harsh environments, such as extremely hot or cold regions, highhumidity areas, or roads with a lot of dust and debris, are more likely to be affected by environmental factors. In hot regions, the battery may be more prone to overheating, which can accelerate battery degradation. In cold regions, the performance of the battery and some components may be affected, and additional measures may be needed to ensure normal operation.

Wanxiang 3.2 Ton Eletric Dry Van Truck

Maintenance Precautions

1. Pay Attention to the Formation and Release of Current

New energy electric trucks mainly rely on the power system to provide energy. During use, it is necessary to pay attention to power control. Avoid sudden fullthrottle acceleration (the socalledflooroilphenomenon) and maintain a reasonable driving speed. When the vehicle is running at high speed, the battery of a new energy electric truck will generate a large current in a short period. This can cause the formation of leadsulfate crystals, which will further affect the physical functions of the battery electrodes. Prolonged exposure to such conditions can significantly reduce the service life of the vehicle’s battery. For example, during highspeed driving, the battery has to discharge a large amount of electricity in a short time to meet the highpower demand of the motor, which puts extra stress on the battery cells.

2. Pay Attention to Charging Environment and Storage

New energy electric trucks require a suitable charging environment. In winter, when the temperature is low, this factor must also be taken into account. The optimal storage temperature for the battery of a new energy electric truck is around 25 degrees Celsius. This temperature can better extend the battery’s service life and ensure stable current release. In winter, when the temperature drops, appropriate antifreezing measures need to be taken. For example, if the truck is parked outdoors in cold weather, using a battery insulation cover or a heated charging station can help maintain the battery’s temperature within a reasonable range. Lowtemperature environments can reduce the battery’s capacity and charging efficiency, and may even cause permanent damage to the battery if not properly protected.

Maintenance Items

The maintenance items of new energy electric trucks are different from those of fuelpowered trucks, but they all include the vehicle’s core components and vulnerable parts. The core components of new energy electric trucks mainly include the power battery system and the motor system, while the vulnerable parts include tires, brakes, etc.

Core Components

1. Power Battery System

The power battery system is of utmost importance for new energy electric trucks as it provides the driving force. When testing the power battery system, the following steps are usually involved. First, remove the baffle under the instrument panel of the new energy electric truck. Then, connect the data cable to the OBD (OnBoard Diagnostics) interface and import the data into a dedicated computer for testing. At this time, the computer can display parameters such as the voltage, power, temperature, and remaining service life of the battery pack. Once any problems are detected, they should be dealt with promptly. For example, if the battery’s stateofhealth (SOH) indicator shows a significant decline, it may indicate that the battery cells are deteriorating, and further inspection or replacement may be required. Regular maintenance of the battery system can also include checking the battery’s charging and discharging efficiency, cleaning the battery terminals to prevent corrosion, and ensuring proper ventilation to dissipate heat generated during operation.

2. Motor System

When testing the motor system, it is necessary to check aspects such as safety, insulation, and the cooling of the motor and controller to prevent potential safety hazards. The safety inspection includes checking for any loose connections, abnormal noises, or vibrations during operation. Insulation testing is crucial to ensure that there is no leakage of electrical current, which could pose a serious safety risk. The cooling system of the motor and controller is also vital, as overheating can lead to reduced efficiency, accelerated component aging, and even motor failure. Regularly check the coolant level, the condition of the cooling pipes, and the operation of the cooling fans. For example, if the cooling fan fails to operate properly, the motor may overheat during continuous highload operation, resulting in permanent damage.

Qiwei 4.5 Tons Eletric Refrigerated Truck

Vulnerable Parts

1. Mga gulong

Checking the tires of a new energy electric truck is similar to that of an ordinary truck, mainly focusing on the degree of wear. If the tires are overly worn, they should be replaced in a timely manner. The degree of tire wear can be affected by various factors, such as driving habits, road conditions, and tire quality. Aggressive driving, such as frequent hard braking and sharp turns, can accelerate tire wear. Uneven road surfaces can also cause uneven tire wear. Regularly rotate the tires to ensure even wear and check the tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Proper tire pressure not only extends the tire’s service life but also improves the vehicle’s handling and energy efficiency.

2. Brakes

Generally, when the vehicle has traveled about 50,000 kilometers, the brake pads need to be replaced. However, this mileage may vary depending on driving habits and actual usage conditions. Frequent braking, especially in heavyduty applications or in urban areas with a lot of stopandgo traffic, can cause the brake pads to wear out more quickly. Regularly inspect the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of the brake discs. Additionally, check the brake fluid level and its quality. Lowquality or contaminated brake fluid can reduce the braking performance and even lead to brake failure. Bleeding the brake system regularly can also help remove air bubbles and ensure consistent braking performance.
Sa konklusyon, proper maintenance of new energy electric trucks is essential for their safe and efficient operation. Understanding the maintenance cycle and items can help truck owners better take care of their vehicles, extend their service life, and reduce the risk of malfunctions. As the new energy vehicle technology continues to develop, the maintenance methods and requirements may also change, but the importance of regular maintenance will always remain. Truck owners should stay updated with the latest maintenance information and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the best performance of their new energy electric trucks.