Do Electric Cars Need Oil?

2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV on the beach

 

If you’re busy preparing to bring an electric vehicle home to Wichita, you will probably want to know more about EV maintenance. A common question among prospective EV owners is, “Do electric cars use oil?” No, electric cars do not have traditional combustion engines; therefore, they do not require any motor oil. This is great news if you’re like many other Andover drivers who aren’t fond of that twice-yearly oil change visit! However, even though your EV will never require an electric car oil change, it does require other common fluids like transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant.

 

 

Read on to pick up all the tips and tricks needed to successfully care for a new EV, courtesy of the experts at Don Hattan Dealerships!

What Types of Fluids Do Electric Cars Require? 

Do electric cars need oil? No. But as we stated above, there are a few fluids that you will still need to maintain in a new EV: 

  • Brake Fluid: The brake system in an EV is just as critical as in any other type of hybrid or gas vehicle. This means you will need to maintain the brake fluid to keep the system lubricated and fully functional. 
  • Transmission fluid: Electric cars also have transmissions. In order to enjoy smooth shifting on the highways near Maize, you need to change the transmission fluid per the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.
  • Coolant: Make sure your EV always has enough coolant to prevent the battery and vehicle systems from overheating. This is especially important in an EV because as the sole power source, the battery is larger than those found in gas-powered vehicles. 

While the tires certainly don’t count as a fluid, it’s worth reminding new EV owners that they will still need to schedule routine tire rotations! Due to the smaller maintenance schedules of EVs, it’s all too easy for owners to forget about these essential services.

Learn More About Electric Vehicle Components 

Now you’ve got a detailed answer to your question, “Do electric cars need oil?” But, even though EVs don’t have engines, you may be curious to learn more about the components they do contain. 

Electric cars use an electric motor to convert electrical current from the battery into motion. There are magnets alongside the motor that generate torque by creating a magnetic field around the motor and churning it. EVs don’t use gasoline; instead, they get their energy from plugging into a home or public charging station

Here’s a quick overview of some of the key components that comprise an EV’s powertrain:

  • Charging ports: The external charger that replenishes your EV’s battery power is known as a charging port.
  • Traction motors: The motors that turn the wheels on an EV are known as traction motors.
  • Onboard charger: The external charge received from the charging port is converted into DC power by the onboard charger.
  • DC-DC converter: High-voltage direct current (DC) power from the battery needs to be converted into low-voltage DC power in order to propel the EV forward.
  • Battery: The battery stores the electricity that powers the motors as you drive.
  • Thermal system: The system that prevents an EV’s motors and electronic components from overheating is known as the thermals system.

Learn More About Electric Vehicles with Don Hattan Dealerships

Once more for good measure — do electric cars use oil? No! In fact, the lack of need for an electric car oil change is just one benefit that’s leading more and more drivers to trade in their gas vehicles for EVs! If you’re interested in making the EV switch, Don Hattan Dealerships can help you make a seamless transition, providing trusted car-buying tips along the way. Contact us or stop by one of our Kansas dealerships when you’re ready to get started!

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