Do Electric Cars Use Oil?



True electric vehicles — that is to say, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) do not need oil. Period. That’s because battery electric vehicles, often more simply referred to as “electric cars”, don’t have a combustion engine that requires lubrication. Rather, they have electric motors that have no moving parts. EVs do generally require other fluids, though, such as coolant, brake fluid, and sometimes, transmission fluid. Read on to learn more or contact us anytime at Ide VW of East Rochester.

What Fluids Do You Need to Change in Electric Vehicles?

Do electric cars need oil? No. Do electric cars need other fluids? Yes! Here’s an overview of some of the fluids you will want to be sure to replace every so often per your vehicle’s service schedule:

• Transmission fluid: Most EVs have “transmissions” (really single-speed gearboxes) that don’t require any transmission fluid. Some newer EVs are incorporating two-speed gearboxes though, due to range/performance improvements, and thus do require transmission fluid. We recommend checking your owner’s manual for specific guidelines.
• Brake Fluid: EVs have brakes, so they require brake fluid. 
• Coolant: The coolant, AKA antifreeze, in your radiator keeps your battery and your vehicle overall from overheating. 

Tires are another important maintenance item for cars. Though they don’t require fluid of any kind, you’ll want to make sure that you get regular tire rotations and other maintenance performed per your vehicle’s service schedule. 

Electric Vehicle Parts 

EVs have many key parts, including an electric motor, which converts potential energy in the form of electrical current from an EV battery into kinetic energy to move the vehicle. Torque is generated via magnets alongside the motor. These magnets create a magnetic field around the motor, and move it forward (or backward!) during your Pittsford drives. 

Here are the key parts in an EV that you should know about:

• Onboard charger: The charger converts the external charge you receive from a charging port into DC power.
• DC-DC converter: This converts the high-voltage direct current (DC) power that comes from the battery into the low-voltage DC power that moves the vehicle.
• Charging ports: These are the external chargers you use to charge the battery of your vehicle. 
• Traction motors: These motors turn your vehicle’s wheels.
• Battery: Your battery stores the electricity that powers the motors as you drive.
• Thermal system: This system keeps your motors and electronic components from overheating.

Service Your EV at Ide VW of East Rochester in East Rochester

Want to learn more about how to best maintain and repair your electric vehicle in Webster or Fairport? Check out our service tips or learn more about our current service offers.