New owner of a 2021 Kona ER (64kWh)

The main EV-specific maintenance item that's practical to DIY is the gear oil change. Given that it won't cost much I'd suggest that it's worth doing soon ... and add a Votex or Toyota magnetic drain plug. If you're not exceeding 100 kph (much) you could go for a slightly thicker viscosity than is called out. The next thicker grade than the OEM 70W is 75W-80. That in full synthetic can be obtained by mixing 0.5 l each of 70W-75 and 75W-85, both Penrite GL-4 Pro Gear. I've been using this grade for 10 months now and I wouldn't go back as the car runs quieter and doesn't seem to be any less efficient. But if you're hitting 120+ km/h I'd stick to the Penrite 70W-75 alone.

There's nothing all that useful in the service docs that I've seen regarding maintenance with the exception of the electrical diagrams and component locations. For brake fluid it's a special procedure and I'd suggest either having the dealer do that or just renewing the reservoir fluid alone. It doesn't seem to deteriorate as quickly as in an ICE car.

 

It's much like any other gear oil change. I'll assume you have a flat work area and ramps that are rated for 1000+ kg. If you haven't driven the Kona up ramps before you should get someone to help you or use a large mirror so you don't drive off the ends. It's easier if you use your left foot on the foot brake at the same time as the right foot on the accelerator.

Once up, go into N with the car still 'on', let the foot brake off carefully to let the car settle on the ramp, secure the parking brake then lastly switch off (which applies the parking pawl).

Remove the front underside cover with a 10mm socket (long type or with extension) and a small flat-blade screwdriver.

The gear reducer plugs need a 24mm socket on that year and you can reuse the aluminium gaskets. I'd suggest not removing the fill plug before draining the oil but it's fine to loosen it. Once the 1 litre of oil is drained feed a length (1m max) of 15mm OD (max) vinyl tube into the filler opening as far as it will go and tie that up near the 12V battery. You'll also need to insert a narrow funnel into the top end.

With the drain plug back in place, back the car off the ramps so that it's about level. It's not going to hurt anything to drive it that short distance and don't be alarmed if you hear a 'clunk' when the parking pawl retracts. If you can, arrange your workspace to have the passenger side of the car slightly higher once you're back on the ground. Otherwise use a trolley jack to lift it few centimeters to avoid any oil from spilling out of the filler opening. Jacking points are at each end of each rocker panel ('pinch-weld' here in NZ, not sure of the Aussie term) each marked with two notches.

Pour in a carefully-measured 1.05 litre of new oil via the funnel. Then pull the tube out and re-insert the filler plug finger-tight from above.

Drive back up the ramps, torque the plugs to 30-33 ln-ft, clean (if needed) and re-install the plastic underside cover.

 

Well done KIWI very helpful I bet to the new member. Thanks