Do Electric Cars Use Oil?

Do electric cars need oil? Do electric cars use oil? If you are considering a new BMW electric vehicle, you may want to find out what EV maintenance service entails. The good news is that one of the many benefits of electric cars is reduced maintenance, so Fort Lee-area EV owners will never have to schedule an electric car oil change. However, there are other automotive fluids you will need to keep track of with your electric car. Learn more in this guide from the service team at BMW of Tenafly.

What Types of Automotive Fluids Are Used By Electric Cars

So, do electric cars need oil? You should note that a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) will require motor oil, as its powertrain consists of an internal combustion engine paired with an electric motor. But battery electric vehicles (BEVs) like the BMW i4 and BMW iX run on electric power alone, so you’ll never need an electric car oil change. That being said, some of the EV fluids you will need to keep tabs on include:

• Coolant: The coolant in your EV thermal system helps to keep the batteries, converters, and motor from overheating, so it is important to regularly check the coolant level. 
• Brake Fluid: This hydraulic fluid amplifies brake force and lubricates the brake system to keep it from corroding, so you will want to make sure that the brake fluid is clean and at the appropriate level. 
• Transmission Fluid: This specialized automotive fluid lubricates the moving parts within the gearbox and provides hydraulic pressure and friction to make the internal parts work smoothly. There are different types of transmission fluid available, so you should consult your owner’s manual to determine which is right for your vehicle.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance

The following EV maintenance services will help ensure that you enjoy a smooth and safe ride on the roads in and around Closter: 

• Tire rotation
• Wheel alignment
• Transmission service
• Brake inspection and brake pad replacement
• Air conditioning/heating service
• Cabin air filter replacement
• Thermal system maintenance

Electric Vehicle Parts 

Many of the key components of an electric vehicle have to do with the charging system. Whether you recharge your EV at home or at one of the many public charging stations in the Tenafly area, it’s good to know about these important EV components. Here’s a quick look at some EV-specific parts and systems:

• Charging ports: External ports used to plug in your vehicle to a changing source 
• Onboard charger: Converts the external charge you receive from a charging port into DC power
• DC-DC converter: Converts the high-voltage direct current (DC) power that comes from the battery into the low-voltage DC power that moves the vehicle
• Battery: Stores the electricity that powers the motors as you drive
• Thermal system: Keeps your motors and electronic components from overheating
• Traction motors: Turns your vehicle’s wheels

Learn More About EV Maintenance at BMW of Tenafly!

Do electric cars need oil? Do electric cars use oil? You won’t need an electric car oil change, but you will need to make sure that the other necessary automotive fluids are clean and at the appropriate levels. Please feel free to reach out to our service team with any questions or concerns. If you are in need of professional EV maintenance near Closter, turn to BMW of Tenafly.