Hey everyone, total newbie here too-I've been lurking for a couple months while shopping around for my first EV, and this maintenance question has me scratching my head big time. The no-oil-change thing sounds awesome on paper, but yeah, those tire wear stories keep popping up in my feeds.
From what I've dug into so far (mostly Tesla forums, Reddit, and a Consumer Reports breakdown), EVs do shake out cheaper overall long-term. For a Model 3, Tesla's official stance is super low maintenance-no scheduled services beyond tire rotations every 6k miles or so, cabin filter swap yearly (~$50-100 DIY or $200 at service center), and brake fluid check every 2 years ($150ish). Brakes themselves last forever thanks to regen; I've seen owners hit 100k+ miles with originals. Wiper blades? Same as any car, maybe $20-40 a pop every year or two.
After 5 years/60-80k miles, real owner numbers I found (like from Tesla Motors Club threads): average yearly spend around $400-700. Tires are the biggie-expect $800-1,200 every 25-35k miles because of the instant torque and extra weight (they recommend high-performance tires that wear quicker). Battery "checks" are mostly just app diagnostics; no routine cost unless warranty issue (8yr/100-120k mile coverage, degradation usually <10%).
Chevy Bolt seems even cheaper to maintain per owners on Bolt forums-similar stuff, but lighter so tires last longer (30-40k miles), and service is ~$300/year post-warranty. Chevy wants cabin filter/AC every 22k miles, wipers as needed.
Compared to my buddy's gas SUV (Honda CR-V), he drops $1,200-1,800/year: oil every 5k ($70), tranny fluid every 30k ($200), plus belts, plugs, etc. A NRMA study in Australia (similar to US) pegged EVs at half the cost over 5 years.
But honestly, I'm still fuzzy on insurance hikes or if coolant swaps add up-anyone with a 5+ year old Model 3 or Bolt got recent bills to share? Or tips for a gas SUV equivalent like a RAV4? Would love to hear how it shakes out in real life before I pull the trigger. Thanks! 🚀