It is impossible to deny that electric cars are becoming more and more popular. With rising gas prices and concerns about the environment, it’s no wonder people welcome the prospect of switching to electric cars. But a question that many ask is Does an electric car use oil?
We are all clear that oil is a fundamental and necessary component to lubricate the multiple moving parts in the engine of an internal combustion car. And this must be replaced on a regular basis, since it tends to degrade over time. Here we are going to answer the question about What oil does an electric car use?
What oil does an electric car use?
To answer this question it is important to distinguish between true electric cars (EV) and (BEV) and hybrid cars (PHEV). Electric cars are powered by a battery and an electric motor..
There are no moving parts that require lubrication and therefore these cars they do not need motor oil, since they do not have the conventional internal combustion engine. Plug-in hybrid cars still require traditional maintenance, because in them there is an internal combustion engine that is combined with an electric motor to increase its efficiency.
But, although electric cars do not use oil, since their engine does not contain oil that must be replaced like internal combustion cars, may use different lubricants that should be checked at least once a year.
How is oil used in an electric car?
Although electric motors don’t need to use oil in their motor, you can still use it to lubricate an EV motor. Lubricating greases must be applied to the electric motor, as well as to the auxiliary units and the central locking mechanism.. This will allow you to help yourself in its operation in extreme conditions.
It also helps electric motors withstand high temperatures and rotational speeds in roller bearings. Oil can be used for component lubrication, such as in the transmission of an EV. Other parts that can be lubricated:
- Central locking mechanism.
- Transmission.
- Wheel bearings.
- Crucial engine components.
- Air conditioning components.
Is it so critical to run out of oil in an electric car?
Not at all, since electric cars do not need to use oil to work, because they have an electric motor. Their engines also have very few moving parts, just a few bearings. It also does not need to generate power, as it uses the energy stored in the battery.
As a result, no parts need external lubrication, eliminating the need to change engine oil.
Do electric cars need other types of fluids?
Though An electric car is a vehicle that requires less maintenance than an internal combustion car., does not mean that some maintenance should not be done. It must be borne in mind that There is still no car that does not require maintenance.
Although you will never need an oil change for an electric car, you should regularly check the following fluids in your EV. In some electric cars, the owner’s manual contemplates performing certain types of maintenance every so often:
- 12000 kilometers: Check fluids and inspect systems. Rotate the tires.
- 24000 kilometers: Replace the wiper blades.
- 24140 kilometers: Replace the cabin air filter.
- 120700 kilometers: Replace hood gas struts.
- every 5 years: Change car fluids and replace brake fluid.
- every 7 years: Change the air conditioning filter.
What kind of fluids do electric cars need?
electric cars still they need lubricants to keep the moving parts of the car working properly, as we have already seen in the previous section. There are a few different types of fluids that are necessary for the operation of electric cars:
- transmission fluid.
- Brake fluid.
- battery coolant.
- windshield washer fluid.
- air conditioning fluid.
- steering fluid.
For an electric car, each of these fluids fulfills a different purpose and is necessary for the proper functioning of the car. The purpose of transmission fluid is to help the car’s gears move smoothly. The purpose of brake fluid is to help keep the brakes from overheating.
In the case of battery coolant, its purpose is help keep the battery from getting too hot and catching fire. So, it is clear that although electric cars do not use oil to make their motor work, they do need some fluids for it to work correctly.
At this point, you should already understand that fully electric cars have mechanical and electrical components, which also need scheduled maintenance for optimal performance. Both EVs and BEVs do not use motor oil, nor do they require an oil or oil filter change.
Other maintenance that you do not need to perform on an electric car
In addition to not needing to change the oil in electric cars, there are other maintenance tasks that are not necessary to perform on an electric car:
to an electric car no maintenance to the exhaust system, no radiator, camshaft or crankshaft problems. You will not have worn bearings, as well as rings and cylinders, nor will you have to change belts, spark plugs, change the fuel filter.
Problems with the water pump or with the radiator will not be had either. That’s another reason why electric cars are becoming so popular. Are cost-saving cars, as owners don’t have to worry about any of the above problems or maintenance.
This is the great advantage of electric cars over internal combustion cars, not to mention the time spent on maintenance and the costs of some repairs.
