What model of gear oil is used in pure electric vehicles?
2 Answers
Pure electric vehicles use GL5—80W90 gear oil. Below are the specific details: Introduction: Gear oil is a high-viscosity lubricant specifically designed to protect power transmission components, typically characterized by a strong sulfur odor. Vehicle gear oil is classified by performance and viscosity. Currently, the performance classification by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the U.S. military gear oil specifications are widely adopted worldwide. Most manual transmission lubricants and differentials use hypoid gear oil. These contain extreme pressure (EP) additives and anti-wear additives to handle the action of hypoid bevel gears. Usage environment: The viscosity of gear oil should be selected based on external temperature conditions. The maximum temperature at which the selected gear oil reaches 150000MPa.s should not exceed the ambient temperature. In regions south of the Yangtze River and areas where winter temperatures do not drop below -10°C, 90# gear oil can be used year-round; 140# gear oil is only used when temperatures are particularly high (or for high-power or diesel vehicles, etc.); in regions north of the Yangtze River, 85#~90# gear oil can be used year-round; in areas where temperatures fall below -26°C, 75# gear oil should be used in winter.
When it comes to the gear oil specifications for pure electric vehicles, based on my experience driving an EV, the selection depends on your car's brand and model. For example, a common choice is 75W-90 full synthetic oil, but different vehicles have different requirements. My Tesla uses a similar specification, but the key is to choose oil specifically designed for EVs, as the operating environment and temperature of the reducer differ from those of fuel-powered cars. Oil with too high viscosity increases energy consumption, while too low viscosity provides insufficient protection. Consulting the owner's manual is essential—only the manufacturer's recommendations are reliable. The replacement interval is typically around every two years or 40,000 kilometers, depending on driving habits. If you frequently drive at high speeds, more frequent checks are advisable. If you're changing it yourself, the tools are simple, but safety comes first—ensure the car is on level ground. The cost is low, with bottles priced at a few dozen yuan; opting for reputable brands like Mobil is more reassuring. Avoid using regular car oil as a substitute, as it can cause gear wear over time and shorten the vehicle's lifespan.
