Paint
EV paint is not categorically softer than ICE paint — but several of the highest-volume EVs (Tesla in particular) ship with thinner, softer clearcoats. That means more conservative polishing, lower-aggression pads, and a stronger emphasis on wash technique. Lucid paint, by contrast, tends to be much closer to German hardness. Rivian sits in between. We adjust the wash mitt, the towels, and the polish step based on the badge.
Charge ports and door seals
An EV's charge port is an electrical interface, not a fuel filler. We avoid spraying water directly into the port, and we make sure the seal stays clean — debris in the seal causes nuisance error messages and, on some models, a slower charging connection. Frunks have similar seal sensitivity. Rinse around them, not into them.
Interior materials
EVs frequently use vegan leather, recycled textiles, micro-suede, and large piano-finish trim panels. Each one behaves differently:
- Vegan leather wants a pH-balanced cleaner and a non-greasy conditioner. Skip the silicone shine.
- Micro-suede needs a vacuum and a brush, not a wet extraction.
- Piano-finish trim scratches if you wipe it with a microfiber that's touched anything else. Dedicated, fresh towels.
- Large touchscreens get cleaned with a slightly damp microfiber, not a sprayed cleaner.
Underbody
EV underbodies are flat aerodynamic panels, not exposed mechanicals. They collect road grime, and the seams at panel joints can hold brine and debris longer than a traditional underbody. A focused underbody rinse — especially in winter — is part of a thorough EV detail.
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Request a Quote →Coatings and PPF for EVs
EVs are excellent candidates for ceramic coating because they tend to be kept by long-term owners, and because the coating's hydrophobic behavior makes regular maintenance much faster on what's often a daily-driver. PPF on impact zones (front bumper, hood, fenders, rockers) makes especially good sense on Teslas because rock chips on the leading edges are common at interstate speeds.
Tires and wheels
EVs weigh more than equivalent ICE cars and they brake harder using regenerative braking, but they brake less often with friction brakes. Translation: cleaner wheels, but heavier tires that pick up more debris. We adjust wheel chemistry accordingly, and we always check for embedded debris in the tread on EVs that have been driven hard.
If your EV is due for a detail and you'd like a specific recommendation, tell us about it and we'll come back with a tailored package.