Hybrid & Electric Vehicles

Hybrid & EV Care

It’s our business to keep your Electric Vehicle Efficient and Reliable in a Harsh Climate

Believe it or not, the first electric car was made in 1890! We’ve come a long way since then and, in recent years, electric and hybrid vehicles (meaning partly electric and partly gas-powered) have become increasingly popular due to their improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Hybrid and electric cars require different care and maintenance than liquid fuel cars. Interior Alaska’s climate requires an even more unique maintenance regimen to keep your car at peak performance.

METRO has tooled up to meet our Customer’s needs! We are now a dually-certified Hybrid and EV shop!

Our technicians are excited to help Fairbanks Hybrid and EV owners keep their vehicles operating at optimum efficiency. Our staff knows exactly what to look for in order to maintain sensitive electrical systems in our harsh environment. What doesn’t change from our regular inspections is the way each METRO mechanic gets to know the individual customer's vehicle. We always track and make detailed notes about rates of decay or wear and flag upcoming work. This approach prevents breakdowns, saves money and ensures that nothing comes as a surprise to the people we serve. Our personalized touch will help ensure that all of your vehicle needs are being met—now and 3,000 miles later.

 
Hybrid Metropolitan Garage Fairbanks, AK

How Do Hybrid & Electric Vehicles Work Anyway?

For anyone with an electric powered car, it's important to understand how it works. Having an understanding about what sets them apart from gas-powered vehicles will help you take better care of your vehicle in the long run. 

Electric vehicles are powered by an electric motor rather than a gasoline engine, and they use a large battery pack to store the electricity that is used to power the car's motor. 

Hybrid cars use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor for power. They’re able to switch between the two power sources depending on driving conditions, and often have a unique braking system that captures energy from braking and stores it in the battery.

Regular Maintenance

Our mechanics ensure your hybrid or EV gets the regular maintenance it needs, including oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections and any other routine services.

Electric Motor Maintenance

For EVs and hybrids that operate in extremely cold climates, electrical components tend to have problems. We maintain your motor to keep it running smoothly.

Coolant Replacement

Hybrids and EVs have a unique coolant design to help regulate the temperature of the battery and electric motor, so we check your coolant levels seasonally to prevent any issues.

Hybrid Metropolitan Garage Fairbanks, AK

Hybrid-Specific Inspections

We offer inspections specific to the needs of hybrid and electric vehicles, such as preparing your battery for optimal health in harsh climates.

Battery Maintenance

While degradation over time is normal, regular maintenance will help prolong your battery life and prevent you from experiencing “range anxiety” from poor battery performance.

EV Preconditioning

EVs have automatic thermal preconditioning systems to help regulate temperature before driving and conserve the range of your battery - we regularly check these systems.