Do New Energy Electric Vehicles Need Transmission Fluid Replacement?

[SanWalter]

New energy pure electric vehicles are driven by electric motors and do not have engines or transmissions, so they do not require transmission fluid replacement. Signs that indicate transmission fluid needs to be replaced include: vehicle shaking, gear shifting hesitation; transmission overheating warning on the dashboard; engine stalling; and unusual noises. Different vehicle models have different replacement cycles. Below are the replacement cycles for transmission fluid: Manual Transmission: Manual transmission fluid is generally recommended to be replaced every three years or approximately 100,000 kilometers. Automatic Transmission: Automatic transmission fluid is generally recommended to be replaced every two years or approximately 40,000 kilometers. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): CVT fluid is generally recommended to be replaced every two years or approximately 60,000 kilometers. The methods for replacing transmission fluid are as follows: Loosen the drain screw at the bottom of the transmission to drain the old fluid before refilling. Remove the transmission oil pan directly to drain and refill: This method is more thorough than the previous one, as it removes impurities from the bottom of the oil pan. Use a circulation machine to replace automatic transmission fluid: Dynamic fluid replacement using an intelligent circulation machine can filter and clean sludge and impurities inside the automatic transmission.

[Marilyn]

After researching new energy electric vehicles for quite some time, I've found that they don't have traditional transmissions at all, so there's no hassle of changing transmission fluid. Take my electric car for example—it uses a motor with direct drive plus a simple reducer, which contains specialized gear oil, but the replacement interval is extremely long. Most brands recommend checking it every 100,000 kilometers, unlike the frequent maintenance required for fuel-powered cars. Daily maintenance mainly focuses on battery health, brake fluid, and coolant, saving both money and hassle while reducing upkeep costs. This is where electric vehicles shine—simplified structure, minimal maintenance, allowing owners to focus more on driving pleasure and safety. However, I must remind you: if the car is a hybrid or has a special transmission design, always refer to the manual for confirmation—don't generalize.

[AdrielMarie]

After driving a pure electric vehicle for three years, the technician at the 4S dealership directly said not to worry about transmission fluid during maintenance, because the motor directly drives the wheels without those complex gear-shifting mechanisms. I remember the first time I asked about this, they laughed and said that for electric vehicles, you just need to check tire pressure, the braking system, and battery performance, with occasional checks on reducer oil but very few replacements. In daily driving, I find the car stable and quiet, and the cost-saving aspect is truly worthwhile, saving hundreds of dollars annually on oil changes. Of course, regular maintenance is still necessary to avoid the accumulation of minor issues, such as with the cabin air filter or windshield washer fluid—you can’t slack off there. The simplicity of electric vehicle design makes maintenance easier, saving time and energy for more meaningful things like traveling.

[Marie]

Pure electric vehicles generally don't have transmissions, so changing transmission fluid is unnecessary. They rely on electric motors for propulsion, and while simple reducers might require a small amount of oil, maintenance is minimal. Compared to fuel-powered cars, this saves money and can extend the vehicle's lifespan. As a new owner, I find this news reassuring, as it shifts the focus to battery health or brake checks, eliminating concerns about fluids.