Do Electric Cars Use Oil?

If you’ve recently bought a new electric vehicle, or EV for short, you may question when to schedule your first electric car oil change. But, the more you think about it, the more you’ll begin to wonder: with no combustion engine under the hood, do electric cars need oil to maintain their performance on the Port Huron roads? The answer is no! EV models, like the Chevy Bolt, don’t require motor oil to function. That said, there are still other fluids to keep an eye on as you drive your new electric car. Find out more about your EV’s parts and functions, as well as the fluids you’ll need to upkeep your EV with the service team at Moran Chevrolet Fort Gratiot.

Electric Vehicle Parts

The reason why electric cars don’t need oil is because they lack an internal combustion engine. That can be a drastic change for many Lake Port drivers to adjust to, especially when it comes to regular maintenance. To help you gain a better understanding of how your EV functions and why it doesn’t need oil, Moran Chevrolet Fort Gratiot will go over how an electric car works.

Electric vehicles use an electric motor, powered by a large battery. This electric power pushes your vehicle into motion, with magnets alongside the motor generating near-instantaneous torque. The power in the large battery will slowly drain as you drive, requiring you to plug your EV into a power source to replenish the power supply and keep you moving through Marysville.

Some of the integral parts of your EV drivetrain system include:

• Battery: The large battery in your EV stores the electricity that powers your vehicle’s motors.
• Traction motors: The EV motors turn your wheels, propelling your vehicle forward.
• Thermal system: The thermal system cools your motors and electronic components to ensure they don’t overheat.
• Charging ports: Charging ports are the external chargers you use to plug in your car battery and replenish the power. There are many charging ports available, from public DC Fast Charging ports to your standard home wall outlet.
• Onboard charger: This charger takes the external charge it’s receiving from a charging port and converts it into DC power.
• DC-DC converter: If you choose to use a DC Fast Charging port, this converter will take the high-voltage direct current and convert it to a low-voltage direct current for your vehicle’s motors.

What Fluids Do You Need to Change in Electric Vehicles?

Even if electric car oil changes won’t be a part of your maintenance rotation, there are still some familiar services you’ll need to keep tabs on for your EV. Take a look at some of the fluids you’ll need to service below:

• Brake Fluid: Electric vehicles still have brakes and brake lines that need to be maintained. Ensure your brake system is properly lubricated and operating safely by following the recommended service schedule.
• Transmission fluid: Even without a combustion engine, your EV still features a transmission to shift into different gears. Stay on top of your transmission fluid changes for smooth shifting on the Clyde roads.
• Coolant: Electric power generates heat, making a radiator essential. Stick to your recommended coolant changes and top-ups as specified in your owner’s manual.

Service Your EV at Moran Chevrolet Fort Gratiot

So, do electric cars use oil? No, but there are plenty of other fluids and parts that need to be maintained for safe driving through Fort Gratiot! When you’re ready for your next EV tune-up, schedule service with Moran Chevrolet Fort Gratiot’s qualified service team. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about maintaining your new EV!

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