Even though EVs generally do not require much maintenance, if you need help or servicing you want to know it will be there. Having a local service center would be ideal. Whether or not this will be an easy process is dependent on the EV manufacturer and their national network of service centers:
- Established car manufacturers - Many EV manufacturers will have local dealers and service centers (e.g., Ford, GM, Hyundai, Mercedes, Porsche, Volvo, Nissan, Audi, etc.). They all tout the fact that their extensive dealer networks will be there to service your EV, if needed.
- New EV manufacturer startups - These manufacturers (e.g., Tesla, Rivian, Polestar, Lucid, and others) do not have dealer networks or local service centers around the country and are having to develop approaches to service their EVs. Tesla, who has been around the longest, has created an effective roaming service staff that can address most of potential service needs. They found this wasn't enough and are actively establishing service centers in key locations around the country. Still, it is not the same as having hundreds of local service centers. Rivian, Polestar, Lucid and others are currently working to develop their approaches to servicing. We will have to wait and see how that develops.
This is something to consider before you purchase your EV. You may not need a lot of servicing, but when you do, you want to know what the plan is to receive service to your EV.