Do Electric Cars Use Oil?

Because electric vehicles are still a relatively new technology, many Springfield and Salem drivers understandably have questions about them. One of the most common ones we receive here at Kiefer Kia is, “Do electric cars use oil?” The answer is a definite no, electric cars do not require motor oil. They do, however, need other fluids to run safely and effectively. We give you all the details in this handy guide.

EV Fluids That Need to Be Changed

While there’s no such thing as an electric car oil change, there are three other fluids that do need to be monitored and changed as part of your routine vehicle maintenance. They are:

• Brake Fluid: EVs, like any other motor vehicle, rely on a braking system for slowing and stopping. The parts of this system need to be properly lubricated with brake fluid.
• Transmission Fluid:As with brake fluid, transmission fluid provides lubrication. It keeps the gears of your transmission system moving efficiently and preserves the life of the system.
• Coolant: Coolant minimizes heat from the engine and other components and prevents the overheating of the battery and other vehicle systems.

For recommended service intervals, consult the owner’s manual that came with your EV. Keeping up on routine maintenance ensures a long life for your vehicle and a maximum return on your investment.

Anatomy of an EV

Do electric cars need oil? Now that you know they don’t, it can be helpful to acquaint yourself with the major components of your EV. This will help you recognize and pinpoint problems if they arise, so you can then schedule prompt service.

An electric motor converts electrical current from the battery into motion, while magnets alongside the motor produce torque. The magnets build a magnetic field around the motor and churn it. Since your vehicle needs electric power to run, it needs to be charged at home or at a Corvallis-area charging station.

This is a more detailed overview of the anatomy of an EV:

• Charging Ports:These external chargers charge your EV battery.
• Traction Motors:Traction motors power the wheels of your EV.
• Onboard Charger:This charger transforms the external charge from a charging port into DC power.
• DC-DC Converter: The converter changes high-voltage direct current power from the battery into lower-voltage DC power.
• Battery:The battery stores the electricity the motor needs.
• Thermal System:The thermal system prevents the motor and other EV parts from overheating.

Schedule EV Service at Kiefer Kia

Next time someone asks, “Do electric cars use oil?”, you can tell them that EVs do not and can inform them just how an EV works. When your EV needs a fluid check or change, trust our service team at Kiefer Kia. Schedule your appointment today, and check out our latest specials to save on your visit.