Do Electric Cars Use Oil?

Do electric cars use oil? When do I need to schedule my next electric car oil change? The answer is no, electric vehicles (EV) do not use oil and do not require oil changes ever. Why? EVs don’t have an engine. However, that doesn’t mean that you can say goodbye to maintenance visits. Find out what goes into EV maintenance and schedule your next service with us in Sutton Ford!

What are the Essential EV Auto Fluids?

Electric vehicles don’t have combustion engines, which means they don’t use motor oil. But, they do have parts in common with gas-powered models like transmission systems and braking systems. So while you can skip the electric car oil change, you’ll want to keep tabs on the following automotive fluids:

• Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is essential for the performance and safety of your car, so you’ll want to check your brake fluid levels regularly.
• Transmission Fluid: While EV transmissions are usually single-speed instead of the multi-speed transmissions on a traditional car, you’ll still need to top off and replace the transmission fluid from time to time.
• Coolant: Finally, coolant is crucial to prevent overheating in your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual to see what type of coolant works the best for your model.

How Does an EV Work?

So, do electric cars need oil? No. Then how do they work? We’re happy to tell you! Electric cars use an electric motor, which takes the electricity of your battery and spins it into motion. This process involves a system of magnets, which churn the motor and allow you to navigate Chicago smoothly! Want a closer look at your EV’s inner workings? 

• Charging ports: These external chargers allow you to charge your battery at a home or public station. 
• Traction motors: These turn your vehicle’s wheels.
• Onboard charger: This part converts your external charge into DC power.
• DC-DC converter: The converter changes stored high-voltage direct current (DC) power from the battery into low-voltage DC power that can power the car.
• Battery: Your battery stores the electricity that acts as fuel on the road. 
• Thermal system: This keeps your components from overheating.

Learn More about EV Maintenance at Sutton Ford

Want to test drive a new hybrid or electric vehicle? Or are you ready to schedule your next maintenance visit? Don’t be a stranger at Sutton Ford! We’re happy to help with all of your automotive needs, so contact us with any questions.