Why Do EVs Not Need Oil?

If you’re interested in purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), are already driving one, or just want to learn more about how they operate, you may wonder why they don’t require gasoline like other cars, trucks, and SUVs and how they function without oil. Keep reading to learn more about EVs, their maintenance, and why they don’t need oil to run.

Why Do EVs Not Need Oil?

If you’re considering switching to an EV, one major factor you may be considering is whether or not these vehicles require oil to run. If you find a true EV, you’ll never have to worry about stopping at the gas station since these vehicles only require a battery charge to run. Instead, if you opt for a hybrid, your vehicle will have an internal combustion engine to help charge the vehicle’s battery and provide it with power. It’s important to note that while hybrids are a great step toward an energy-efficient car, only EVs run without any gasoline.

EVs don’t need gasoline because instead of a traditional engine, they contain an electric motor. This means they don’t contain moving parts, like pistons and valves, that require lubrication from engine oil. Without these elements, EVs don’t need any gasoline to run and instead function off of a battery, which you can charge at home or a public charging station, depending on what you have available.

What Maintenance Does an EV Need?

If you opt for an EV, you can forever say goodbye to oil changes. Without a standard engine, these cars, trucks, and SUVs typically require less maintenance than other popular vehicles. However, they will still require routine maintenance to ensure that everything is functioning properly, so make sure to contact the experts in our service center and schedule an appointment for your EV. Here’s a list of things our technicians may review when you bring your vehicle in:

Checking the Brake Pads

While an EV doesn’t have a traditional engine, it still uses brakes to slow down and come to a stop. This means it’s important for technicians to check out your vehicle’s brake pads to make sure they’re functioning properly. Brake pads need to be replaced periodically throughout the life cycle of your vehicle, so it’s important to be proactive and make sure a technician monitors their wear and performance. Well-functioning brakes are essential for keeping yourself, your passengers, and other drivers safe on the road.

As opposed to standard gasoline-powered cars, EVs use a regenerative braking system, which can generate more power for a car by converting kinetic energy into electric energy. This innovative type of braking system also causes less wear and tear on your brakes over time. This means you can save money by spending less on brake maintenance and repairs by choosing an EV over a traditional gas vehicle.

Monitoring the Battery Coolant

Whether your vehicle has an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, managing heat within the car is essential. An EV’s lithium-ion battery can generate a significant amount of heat, so it’s imperative to counteract it with coolant. The coolant in an EV helps regulate the temperature of several elements within your vehicle, including the power inverter, cabin heater, and battery.

The battery and power inverter are crucial aspects of your vehicle and play a major role in its function and performance. This means you should schedule routine maintenance appointments so technicians can keep an eye on the battery coolant in your EV.

Checking the Transmission Fluid

Although electric cars run without oil, some still require transmission fluid. If your EV needs transmission fluid, it’s important for a technician to monitor it to ensure your car functions properly. If you’re unsure, consult the owner’s manual to learn more about your vehicle and its maintenance needs.

Managing the Software

Gasoline-powered cars, hybrids, and EVs all contain an engine management system, so technicians need to maintain this software and ensure it’s functioning properly. When you buy an EV, it should contain the latest available software. Some manufacturers even possess the capability to send over-the-air updates electronically without you needing to visit a dealership for a software update. Depending on the EV you choose, chat with our service team to learn about your vehicle’s capabilities and how to stay up to date with the latest software.

What Long-Term Costs Should You Consider With an EV?

If you plan to keep your EV for more than five years, it’s important to understand the costs you may have to take on to keep your vehicle operating at peak performance. While many EV drivers don’t plan on staying in the same vehicle for 10 years, if you love your car and want to hang on to it for a long time, it will most likely need an extensive coolant service every seven years.

This appointment involves draining, cleaning, and refilling the vehicle’s coolant lines, and a technician will examine the power-transfer circuitry. They will also make sure that various elements, like the electric motor and inverter, don’t need to be replaced. After 12 years of use or 300,000 miles of driving, your EV’s battery may also need to be replaced. While this can be costly, it’s important to consider all the money you can save by choosing an EV versus a standard gasoline-powered vehicle.

Why Choose Huffines Subaru Corinth

At Huffines Subaru Corinth, we want to ensure your car-shopping experience is enjoyable and that you leave with all of your questions answered. If you’re considering switching to an EV, you can chat with the knowledgeable members of our sales team to review your options so you can make the best decision for your budget and lifestyle. There are many advantages to owning or leasing an EV, and if you want to see how it feels to drive one, stop by our dealership to take them for a test drive.

Contact us at 940-497-3700 to learn more about our extensive inventory, or schedule a maintenance appointment with the experts in our service center to ensure your EV delivers a smooth and reliable ride for years to come. Because we know your time is valuable, we also offer express service so you can get back on the road as soon as possible.