Is the gear oil for new energy vehicles the same as that for gasoline vehicles?
2 Answers
The gear oil for new energy vehicles is different from that for gasoline vehicles. Reasons: Compared to fuel vehicles, new energy vehicles lack components such as engines and transmissions. Therefore, items like engine oil, oil filters, and transmission fluid naturally do not require addition or replacement. However, electric vehicles have electric motors that require regular gear oil changes for lubrication. Since electric vehicles are designed to be lightweight, the gear oil used differs from that in gasoline vehicles. Maintenance: The maintenance of new energy vehicles primarily focuses on the battery pack and electric motor. This includes inspections of the "three-electric system" (comprising the motor controller, power battery, and vehicle controller) and charging ports, along with regular gear oil replacement to ensure the proper operation of the motor.
I think new energy gear oil is not exactly the same as that for gasoline cars, which is attributed to fundamental changes in automotive design. New energy vehicles, such as electric cars, operate their gearboxes under high-speed and low-torque conditions, with more frequent start-stop cycles than traditional gasoline vehicles. Therefore, their oil needs to have higher thermal stability and lower viscosity to reduce friction and improve efficiency. Having driven an electric car for several years, I was reminded by the technician during maintenance that oil for gasoline cars might be too thick, and using it in an electric car could easily lead to poor heat dissipation or even gear wear. The professional advice is to check the vehicle manual or consult a 4S store to avoid using the wrong oil, which is crucial for extending the lifespan of the drive unit. Additionally, new energy oils usually contain more environmentally friendly additives, supporting the concept of renewable energy. In short, don’t take chances when replacing the oil—ensure the correct model is selected to guarantee driving safety.