Will Electric Vehicles Need Transmission Fluid Changes?

Maintenance/Repairs
,
1

Hi Folks,
I was researching the maintenance of EVs recently and discovered that the Mustang Mach-E requires its transmission fluid changes at 150 or every 10 years. Yet, the Tesla Model Y does not require it ever. All EVs I know of use a transmission. Here is my question: “Do you think that these 1-speed transmissions will require fluid changes on the order of 30K, 50K, 60K or similar to achieve a long lifespan?” Many internal combustion engine-powered vehicles no longer recommend trans fluid changes, but I think the group will agree it is still wise. What is the opinion of the group for these “single-speed” transmission units? If you are a mechanic, please say so in your comments. Thanks folks!

2

I don’t call a one-speed a transmission, I call it a gearbox. With no shifting or stopping/starting, the lubricant should last a LONG time.

3 Likes
3

Thanks. I’m with you. GM, Ford, and Tesla all call that unit a “Transmission” in their owner’s manuals, so I stuck with their wording. I agree the word is not ideal.

4

We all know that marketing is driving it, not technies… so I would have some health skepticism to the “lifetime” definition.

2 Likes
5

An EV transmission is essentially like (and may contain) a differential. I change my diff fluids more often than the manufacturer recommends.

I would do the same on any EV. Likely I would change the 1st time at 1500 miles or so and every 50k after that.

1 Like
6

I do not need the car to last forever, I’m not gonna live that long :slight_smile:

Still, I would agree that 50/100K change would be quite reasonable.

7

Nissan only says to inspect the transmission oil at specific intervals but some owners are changing it before 100,000 miles.

8

I’d ask the manufacturer whether they would be willing to extend the warranty on the transmission to a period that’s at least as long as the time set for a fluid change. So if Ford says 10 years, 150,000 miles then fine, the warranty is 10 years, 150,000 on the transmission, parts **AND ** labor.

4 Likes
9

I have never changed trans oil/fluid in any car, and I sure won’t start the practice with an electric, especially since it’s never caused a problem.

1 Like