Do electric vehicles need oil?
The answer is very short: no. Electric cars do not need to be filled with oil like conventional gasoline cars. They have a completely different drivetrain, making this maintenance aspect irrelevant.
But this does not mean that electric cars are completely maintenance-free. As with an internal combustion engine car, you will have to visit the dealership regularly, but types of work and costs will differ.
Let's figure out what you should pay attention to before buying.
Why electric cars don't need engine oil
Electric cars run on electric motors, not internal combustion engines.
Conventional cars require lubrication of moving engine parts. Pistons, valves, and other moving parts of the engine must interact smoothly with each other at very high speeds for the oil to glide safely.
It also protects the engine from overheating. As a result of the interaction of metal parts, microscopic particles accumulate in the oil, which must be removed periodically. For smooth operation of the engine, it is drained and a new one is poured.
There is nothing like this in an electric car. It runs on a battery and an electric motor. There are no pistons, no valves, or other moving parts that require lubrication, so regular oil changes in an electric vehicle are not necessary.
Electric vehicle maintenance
The most popular electric vehicle transmissions eliminate more than two dozen moving parts compared to an internal combustion engine car. It is logical that thanks to this, the electric car costs less maintenance than a traditional car.
Since electric vehicles have appeared not so long ago, and the technology is still evolving, there is no clear timetable for passing the MOT. However, it is recommended that you complete it annually to avoid any malfunctions. Autocars with an annual mileage of more than 20,000 km will benefit from an inspection twice a year, which will extend the battery life.
Now more about the parts that require regular inspection.
Battery coolant
Heating is a serious problem in electric vehicles, as well as in vehicles with internal combustion engines. To regulate the heat from the lithium-ion battery of auto cars, coolant is used - the principle is the same as in conventional cars.
It is important to check the coolant level in the battery, interior heater, and power inverter. If the stove is not a problem, the other two elements are incredibly important. It is not uncommon for a car to catch fire due to overheating of the battery, so it is in your best interest to control the refrigerant level.
Transmission fluid
Tesla cars today, like most electric cars, do not use a transmission, so they do not need fluid check maintenance like conventional cars.
But Porsche's all-electric all-electric Taycan expands the horizons with a two-speed gearbox that will likely require maintenance with a fluid change.
Brake pads
Although electric vehicles use brake pads, they do not need to be replaced frequently. The regenerative braking system reduces brake wear by converting the kinetic energy of a moving vehicle into electrical energy from the battery. It is the primary deceleration agent that reduces brake pad wear.
The regenerative braking system is a key element of power generation equipment. Routine maintenance of an electric vehicle includes ensuring the proper functioning of the braking system, which is extremely important as it is not only responsible for energy production but also is the main means of deceleration. This is a decisive safety factor, so regular brake checks are essential.
Parts life
Electric vehicle manufacturers use different technologies and operating systems. A prime example of this difference is the Tesla Model 3 and the Nissan Leaf. This may affect maintenance. Below is a rough guide, but for more precise recommendations it is better to contact the manufacturer:
- 12,000 km: check fluids, systems, and tires.
- 24,000 km: Replace the wiper blades.
- 58,000 km: Replace the cab air filter.
- 120,000 km: replace the bonnet gas struts.
- Every 5 years: fill up fluids, change brake fluid.
- Every 7 years: Change the dryer for the air conditioner.
Software
Software is an important component of an electric car control system. All modern cars with internal combustion engines are equipped with a similar system. However, Tesla has set a new precedent.
Instead of the traditional software update at the dealership, they send updates over the air, adding features and tricks to improve battery management efficiency. Fingers crossed that everything will be OK as several previous updates were unsuccessful.
Also, in the short term, the electric car is very easy to maintain. His inspection boils down to basic items such as checking the lubrication of the door hinges and ventilating the tires - just like with a normal car.
But in the long run, there are a couple of challenges to consider.
Long term ownership and maintenance
When thinking about buying a regular car, how long do you plan to drive it? Three years? Five years? Ten? You are unlikely to count on 10 years, but if so, the car will need serious maintenance. The very moment when owning an electric car flies out a pretty penny.
Every seven years, a major coolant service is required, including draining, cleaning, and filling all lines. It is also necessary to check the power transmission circuit and possibly replace some electrical components associated with the battery, inverter, and electric motor.
After about 12 years of continuous use, the battery will need to be replaced - and this is perhaps the hardest part. If we talk about an ordinary car, then replacing the engine is not a problem today, and with proper maintenance, it can work for more than 30 years. If you're lucky, with good care, he can wind 800 thousand kilometers or more.
According to experts, in the coming years, the mileage of electric cars will be able to reach an average of 500 thousand km. At this point, the battery power will drop to about 70% of the original performance, which clearly will not suit drivers. The cost of a new one ranges from $ 1,000 to $ 6,000 - comparable to replacing an internal combustion engine in a conventional car.
Some companies offer an 8-10 year limited mileage battery warranty. If problems arise, it is wiser to settle the matter before the expiration of the warranty period. Do not postpone the decision of the issue indefinitely, since repairing or replacing the battery can cost more than a completely new car.
Read more about the disadvantages of electric cars and the features of winter operation in our blog.
Can you save money by owning an electric car?
In principle, you can. It all depends on what kind of car you had before.
For example, buying and maintaining a reliable and efficient Honda Fit will cost less than Tesla and similar elite electric cars.
However, after a luxurious BMW or Mercedes with a lot of features, buying an electric car of a comparable level will hit the budget.
The choice of electric cars is growing every year, and it is becoming easier to choose the model that is optimal in terms of price/quality ratio. Here, for example, top Chinese electric vehicles in Ukraine and electric crossovers review, which one after another enter the market.
If in your city there are no problems with chargers and you are ready for possible difficulties with finding them, when you need to drive 500 km, an electric car is perfect for you. You can see the location of the charging stations on the map map. Also, on our website, you can purchase a charger for personal use.
Maintenance Aspects Not Required by Electric Cars
In addition to the absence of the need to change the oil, the electric car saves the owner from:
- Replacement of spark plugs, fuel filters, drive belts, and water pump;
- Troubleshooting and carburetor flooding;
- Flying cylinder head gaskets;
- Replacement of belts and hoses, rings and cylinders;
- Eliminate radiator problems;
- Bearings/crankshafts and camshafts;
- Exhaust system/pipes.
Due to these factors, an electric car requires less time and money for maintenance compared to a car with an internal combustion engine. The main thing is to update it seven years after the purchase: leave the troubles with the batteries to someone else, otherwise, there can be no talk of saving.