Why Does My EV Still Need Lubricants?
As an electric vehicle (EV) owner, or someone considering making the switch, it’s easy to assume that fewer moving parts mean less maintenance over the life of a vehicle. While some EVs don’t require traditional engine oil, they still rely on specialized fluids and lubricants to protect critical components and support long-term vehicle longevity. From cooling electric motors and batteries to protecting e-axles and bearings, lubricant technology continues to play an important role in how EVs perform and resist breakdown.
You still need lubricants for the different configurations using electric power in electric and hybrid vehicles. Maintenance is still required for all configurations. Here are some common questions about EVs.
Does my EV still need motor oil?
No. Fully electric vehicles don’t use motor oil because they don’t have an internal combustion engine. That said, this doesn’t mean EVs are fluid-free or maintenance-free.
While EVs eliminate the engine oil system, they still depend on advanced lubricants to protect motors, bearings, gears/transmission, and thermal systems. Lubrication hasn’t gone away; it’s evolved.
Instead of lubricating pistons and crankshafts, EV fluids are designed to reduce friction, manage heat, and protect high-speed components inside electric drive units. Because many EV components operate at significantly higher speeds and generate concentrated heat in compact spaces, proper lubrication remains essential to efficiency and long-term durability.
What kind of lubricants does my EV require if it doesn’t use engine oil?
Even without engine oil, EVs rely on several critical fluids to operate efficiently and reliably, including:
- E-axle and reduction gear fluids that protect gears operating at extremely high speeds
- Electric motor bearing lubricants designed for high-RPM environments
- Coolants that manage heat from batteries, motors, and power electronics
- Brake fluid, which remains essential despite regenerative braking
These fluids are often formulated with specialized thermal and electrical properties that traditional engine oils don’t require. Some must safely operate near electrical components, while others are designed to dissipate heat efficiently to resist breakdown over long service intervals. Together, they help protect components, support efficiency, and extend vehicle life.
Expert Insight: Is regular motor oil still relevant for hybrids or plug-in hybrids?
Yes. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids still use internal combustion engines, which means engine oil remains essential.
However, hybrid driving patterns can place unique demands on motor oil. Frequent engine start-stop events, shorter run times, and lower average operating temperatures can all affect oil performance. It’s important to use a high-quality full synthetic motor oil, such as Pennzoil Ultra Platinum™
- Sean Nguyen, Pennzoil Technical Scientist and Automotive Lubricant Specialist“Hybrid engines may experience more cold starts and shorter run cycles, which can increase the risk of elevated moisture and fuel contamination in the oi
In hybrids, proper oil formulation helps protect engines that may not always reach full operating temperature, supporting long-term durability.
How does lubricant technology differ for EV drive units and E-Axles?
EV drive units combine electric motors, power electronics, and gear sets into compact systems that operate at much higher speeds than traditional drivetrains. Lubricants used in these systems must balance several demands:
- Low friction to support efficiency and driving range
- Thermal stability to manage heat in tightly packaged components
- Durability under constant high-speed operation
- Compatibility with electrical components and materials
Some EV systems also rely on fluids to assist with cooling motors or batteries, helping maintain safe operating temperatures and reduce thermal stress.
- Sean Nguyen, Pennzoil Technical Scientist and Automotive Lubricant Specialist“EV drive units operate at significantly higher speeds and integrate multiple systems into a single housing, making lubrication far more complex than in traditional drivetrains.”
Can I ignore maintenance if I switch to an EV?
No. EV ownership changes maintenance, but it doesn’t eliminate it.
While EVs generally require fewer service visits than traditional vehicles, fluid checks and replacements are still critical to long-term performance. Coolants, brake fluid, and drive-unit lubricants can degrade over time due to heat, moisture, and normal use.
Skipping maintenance can reduce efficiency and increase the risk of component wear later in the vehicle’s life.
Key Takeaway:
If I drive an EV or hybrid, I should still ask my technician about routine fluid checks, even if there’s no traditional oil change involved.
Expert Insight: Why EVs still depend on lubrication for longevity
- Sean Nguyen, Pennzoil Technical Scientist and Automotive Lubricant Specialist“Electrification changes the powertrain, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for lubrication. Fluids remain essential for protecting components and managing heat.”
Switching to a fully electric vehicle may simplify some aspects of ownership, but it doesn’t remove the need for proper fluid care. Even without traditional engine oil, EVs still rely on advanced lubricants and thermal fluids to protect high-speed components, manage heat, and support long-term durability. Understanding what fluids your vehicle still needs (and why they matter) helps ensure reliable performance today and longevity over time.
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