Tesla Model Y vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E - Which EV Requires More Maintenance?

One of the biggest benefits of modern electric crossover vehicles like the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Toyota RAV4 Prime is that they require far less maintenance than legacy conventionally-powered vehicles. Gone are the days of pricey 15K, 30K, and 60K service intervals.

Today’s green vehicles have designed out most of the pricey and bothersome failure items as well. You’ll never need an alternator, timing belt, starter, power steering pump, or accessory belt in any of these vehicles because they don’t have one. In fact, a recent study by Consumer Reports found that electric vehicles cost about half the amount to repair and maintain as traditional vehicles, and surprisingly, the plug-in hybrids had a slight edge over the battery-only models. The savings from electrified vehicles from reduced maintenance and repair is a big plus of owning one. However, that does not mean EVs don’t require maintenance.

The Mustang Mach-E has only been on the market since late December, so it’s likely no owner has yet had to have any maintenance performed. Within a few months, the first adopters will need the six-month multi-point inspection. Following that at either 12 months or 10,000 miles, the first real maintenance starts with a tire rotation. It is at this point, the owners of Ford’s Mustang Mach-E begin to benefit from the less costly and less necessary maintenance their crossover requires by comparison to the Tesla Model Y. However, the Model Y evens things up when the miles pass 150,000 miles.

Our chart above takes its information directly from the Tesla and Ford owner’s manuals. We’ve included links to the manuals at the bottom of the page for your convenience. As you can see, the Tesla Model Y and Mustang Mach-E will both require some sort of service at least every 6,250 miles or every six months. That is a frequency similar to many ICE vehicle oil change intervals.

The list above is also not the whole story. Some vehicles will need repair or maintenance sooner. Tesla’s manual states, “The above intervals are based on normal driving behaviors and scenarios. Additionally, the above list should not be considered comprehensive and does not include consumable parts such as windshield wipers, brake pads, etc.”

Tesla owners may not know that the tires on their Model Y need to be rotated so frequently. However, tire wear on Tesla vehicles is a common topic, so it shouldn’t really be a surprise. If Tesla’s service rangers are available, this is a good option. Some owners report paying as little as $39 for this service. Mobile tire service companies we have tried charge twice that amount.

Related Story: Toyota RAV4 Prime vs. Tesla Model Y Maintenance Cost Analysis - A Surprising Outcome

If you have had your Model Y or Mustang Mach-E’s service done by the company or dealer, please tell us in the comments below about your experience.

Tesla Model Y Owner's Manual (Page 164)
Ford Mustang Mach-E Service Schedule
Ford Mustang Mach-E Six Month Service Inspection List

John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. Following his engineering program, John also completed a marketing program at Northeastern University and worked with automotive component manufacturers. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin