₹5,00,000 vs ₹780 service cost - Replace first. Diagnose later - This dangerous EV service trend will hurt EV buying decisions.
- Murali krishna
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
₹5,00,000 vs ₹780 service cost
"Replace first. Diagnose later"
This dangerous EV service trend will hurt EV buying decisions.
Let's break it down.
I recently came across a Kona EV case.
Reported by Selvakumar D from Tamil Nadu.
The vehicle had a strange running noise.
People call it “wheel of fortune” issue.
It is a clicking motor noise.
I have seen this in many EVs.
Noise increases with vehicle speed.
In most cases, it is bearing wear.
A bearing supports the rotating shaft.
Now here is the interesting part.
Dealer suggested full motor replacement.
Quoted cost was around ₹5 lakh.
This is the traction motor assembly.
Motor and gearbox in one unit.
Typical OEM approach is replacement.
It reduces risk and is easy to execute.
But the owner went deeper 🔍
The customer opened and inspected the motor.
Found rotor side bearing failure.
Bearing reduces friction during rotation.
Failure causes noise and vibration.
He used SKF 6007 C3 bearing.
Important for high speed motors.
C3 means higher internal clearance.
It handles heat and expansion better.
Standard bearing would fail again.
He replaced only the bearing.
Total cost came to ₹780 ⚙️
Motor became silent again.
Noise issue was completely solved.
I find this case very interesting.
But, this is not a DIY recommendation. .
Precision and safety are critical.
As we compare dealer method and end user way of solving the same issue.
We can see huge cost savings.
But it requires high precision skills.
Dealer method is safe and scalable.
But expensive for most customers.
End user repair is logical and efficient.
But depends on technician capability.
Most EV motor failures are not electrical.
They are mechanical wear issues also.
To me, this proves one thing.
One to one motor replacement is costly.
This directly impacts EV resale value.
Fear of repair cost slows EV adoption.
In my view, EV motors are not black boxes.
They are serviceable machines.
But our ecosystem is not ready yet.
Many technicians lack EV exposure.
Even simple faults look complex today.
We need trained repair networks.
OEMs should certify technicians regularly.
Basic repairs must become accessible.
This reduces queues and anxiety.
After-sales will decide EV growth in India
🚗
We are replacing systems, not solving problems.
I see this gap clearly in current EV ecosystem.
If root cause is just a bearing,
would you still replace full motor?
🔔 Follow me on Linkedin for insights on EV technology, electric motors & Tech.
🔥 Get EV updates directly on WhatsApp – join 600+ engineers: [Click here]
Original post on my LinkedIn - Click here
Comments