Do Electric Cars Use Oil?

Interested in getting behind the wheel of an all-electric vehicle like the new BMW i4 sedan or BMW iX SUV? Along with EV benefits such as zero emissions and potential tax credits, you’ll also eliminate the need for routine oil changes. Do electric cars need oil? The short answer is no. Since an electric vehicle is powered by an electric motor that does not require oil to function properly, you’ll never have to schedule an electric car oil change. However, you should note that you will still need to keep track of transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid. In this guide from the service team at BMW of Warwick, we’ll take a closer look at electric vehicle maintenance. If your EV is due for service near East Greenwich, schedule an appointment with us today!

What Kind of Fluids Do Electric Vehicles Use?

Do electric cars use oil? No, you won’t need to keep up to date with electric car oil changes, but there are other fluids that are vital to EV performance and safety on Providence roads and beyond. Take a closer look at these essential EV fluids below:

• Brake Fluid is a hydraulic fluid that amplifies brake force. It also 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 lubricates the moving parts within the gearbox and also provides hydraulic pressure and friction to make the internal parts work. There are different types of transmission fluid available, so you should consult your owner’s manual to determine which is right for your EV.
• Coolant helps to keep the batteries, the converters, and the motor from overheating, so it is important to regularly check the coolant level.

Other important EV maintenance services include tire rotations and brake inspections. Your owner’s manual will have the details regarding your specific EV model. Contact our service center if you have any questions or concerns.

Electric Vehicle Parts

EVs such as the BMW iX and BMW i4 are equipped with an electric motor that converts an electrical current from the battery into power to drive the vehicle. While you won’t have to stop at a gas station to refuel your EV, you will need to recharge it either at your home or at one of the many public charging stations in the Warwick area. The charging time for an EV will vary depending on the charging method you choose.

Many of the key components of an electric vehicle have to do with the charging system. Here are some of the most important EV-specific parts and systems:

• Charging ports: These are the external chargers you use to charge the battery of your vehicle.
• Onboard charger: The charger converts the external charge you receive from a charging port into DC power.
• DC-DC converter: This converts the high-voltage direct current (DC) power that comes from the battery into the low-voltage DC power that moves the vehicle.
• Battery: Your battery stores the electricity that powers the motors as you drive.
• Thermal system: This system keeps your motors and electronic components from overheating.
• Traction motors: These motors turn your vehicle’s wheels.

Learn More About EV Maintenance at BMW of Warwick!

Do electric cars need oil? Do electric cars use oil? No, but there are other automotive fluids and maintenance tasks that will need to be taken care of on a regular basis. The expert technicians at BMW of Warwick can handle all of your EV maintenance and repair needs, so make sure to browse our current service specials to save on your next electric vehicle service. Meanwhile, check out our BMW i4 vs. BMW iX comparison, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.