Do New Energy Vehicles Require Engine Oil and Coolant?
2 Answers
New energy vehicles do not require engine oil but do need coolant. The heat generated during battery charging and discharging requires cooling, and the battery needs heating in low temperatures to ensure performance. How to Choose Coolant: The basic indicators of coolant are freezing point and boiling point. Market-available coolants come in specifications like -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, and -40°C freezing points. Generally, select one that is at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region. How to Determine if Coolant is Low: Observe the coolant warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it likely indicates low coolant, though it could also be due to excessively high cylinder temperature. Check the coolant reservoir. If the level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and promptly add coolant. Inspect the water level scale on the coolant tank. Normal coolant levels should be between the maximum and minimum marks. To check if coolant is low, refer to the scale. If it's below the minimum mark, coolant is insufficient.
I've been driving a pure electric vehicle for almost two years now. From personal experience, there's really no need for engine oil because EVs don't have the traditional combustion system. Engine oil mainly lubricates friction components like pistons and crankshafts, which simply don't exist in electric vehicles. However, coolant is absolutely essential – it's used to cool the battery pack and electric motor, preventing damage from overheating. This becomes particularly important in winter; you must ensure the coolant level is adequate and the concentration appropriate, otherwise it could freeze and crack, affecting heat dissipation. This design makes EV maintenance much simpler, eliminating frequent oil changes and saving time, effort, and money. I've also heard that some manufacturers recommend checking the coolant every two years, but always refer to your vehicle's manual – don't skip this. Overall, the absence of oil-related hassles combined with environmental benefits makes new energy vehicles highly recommendable.
