Gear Oils for Electric Vehicles – What’s Changing?

As electric and hybrid vehicles become more common, the way we think about lubricants is changing too. Traditional cars with petrol or diesel engines rely on motor oil to keep pistons, valves, and other moving parts running smoothly. But electric vehicles (EVs) are different—they don’t need engine oil. 

At Fubex Lubricants, we offer high-quality gear oils for electric vehicles. Enjoy fast shipping, a price match guarantee, and no-questions-asked returns. Need help choosing the right oil? Call us at +971 50 544 9614 — our friendly team is ready to assist!

Instead, they depend on special fluids and gear oils to reduce friction, manage heat, protect components, and keep systems efficient. Choosing the right gear oil is now more important than ever, not only for industrial gearboxes but also for the unique demands of electric vehicle transmissions and motors.

Why Do Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Need Lubricants?

Traditional cars with diesel or petrol (gasoline) engines need motor oil to keep moving parts like pistons and valves running smoothly. The oil reduces friction, prevents wear, and stops the engine from overheating.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are different. They don’t have pistons, valves, or many of the moving parts found in regular engines. That means they don’t use engine oil. But EVs still need other fluids and lubricants to work properly and last longer.

Fully Electric Vehicles (EVs)

EVs run on an electric motor powered by a battery. Since the motor has fewer moving parts, it only needs small amounts of lubrication, like greased bearings. However, the battery produces heat while storing and supplying energy. To prevent overheating, EV batteries use coolant fluid to stay at the right temperature. This keeps the battery safe, improves performance, and helps it last longer.

Most EVs also use regenerative braking, which turns braking energy back into battery power. This creates a lot of heat, so EVs need high-quality brake fluids to keep braking safe and effective.

Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid cars have both a traditional engine and an electric motor with a battery. There are two main types:

• Self-charging hybrids – The fuel engine makes electricity to recharge the battery.
• Plug-in hybrids – The battery is charged by plugging into a charging station, while the fuel engine works as backup.

Hybrids need the same coolants and brake fluids as EVs. But because the fuel engine in hybrids doesn’t always run at full temperature, water condensation can build up inside the engine. This can cause damage. To protect against this, special hybrid engine oils are made to handle lower temperatures, reduce friction, and prevent wear.

Hybrids also have a transmission (gearbox), which needs transmission fluid to keep shifting smooth and parts protected.

Also Read: How Does Gear Oil Affect Transmission Smoothness?

What Fluids Need Changing in Electric Vehicles?

Electric cars don’t need oil changes like regular cars, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely maintenance-free. EVs still use certain fluids that need to be checked and replaced over time. These include:

• Transmission Fluid: Even though your EV doesn’t have a traditional engine, it still has a transmission. Transmission fluid keeps the gears moving smoothly and protects this important (and costly) part. Always check your owner’s manual for the right service schedule.
• Coolant: EV batteries and other systems generate heat. Coolant helps keep everything at the right temperature and prevents overheating. Keeping your coolant topped up is key to protecting your battery and performance.
• Brake Fluid: EVs use regenerative braking, which reduces wear on brake pads. Still, brake fluid is essential for the hydraulic system to work correctly and for your brakes to stay safe and responsive.

Unique Parts of an Electric Vehicle

We’ve talked about the fluids an EV needs, but electric cars also have special parts that make them different from regular vehicles. Instead of a fuel engine, EVs use an electric motor. This motor works with magnets and electricity from the battery to create power, which turns into torque (the force that moves your car).

Some key parts that make up an electric vehicle include:

• Charging Port: Where you plug in your car to charge the battery.
• Battery: Stores the electricity that powers the motor.
• Thermal System: Keeps the battery and motor at the right temperature.
• Traction Motor: Provides power to move the wheels.
• Onboard Charger: Converts electricity from the charging station into battery power.
• DC-DC Converter: Changes high-voltage power from the battery into lower voltage for other car systems.

Also Read: What Is GL5 Gear Oil?

Best Gear Oils for Electric Vehicles: Our Picks

Fubex IGO ISO VG 68 EP Industrial Gear Oil

Fubex IGO ISO VG 68 EP is a high-performance industrial gear oil designed to handle extreme pressure with ease. Its paraffinic mineral base, combined with advanced sulfur-phosphorus additives, delivers exceptional stability, anti-wear protection, and reduced friction.

It shields against corrosion while keeping gear systems running smoothly. Perfect not only for industrial gearboxes but also for electric vehicle transmissions, where efficiency and durability matter most.

Fubex IGO ISO VG 220 EP Industrial Gear Oil

Fubex IGO ISO VG 220 EP is a heavy-duty gear oil designed to withstand extreme pressure and protect gearboxes with ease. Its mineral base delivers excellent viscosity control, while advanced additives fight corrosion, reduce wear, and minimize friction. 

Perfect for industrial gear systems and equally effective for electric vehicle transmissions, ensuring smooth, efficient, and long-lasting performance.

Fubex IGO ISO VG 1000 EP Industrial Gear Oil

Fubex IGO ISO VG 1000 EP is a premium industrial gear oil made to protect enclosed gears and bearings under the toughest loads. It resists wear, rust, and corrosion while keeping systems clean and reliable. Safe with seals and built for heavy-duty performance, it’s a smart, affordable choice for industry. 

With its strength under high pressure and smooth load handling, it also supports the demanding gear systems of electric vehicles, ensuring efficiency and long-lasting protection.

Fubex IGO ISO VG 320 EP Industrial Gear Oil

Fubex IGO ISO VG 320 EP is a high-performance gear oil designed to protect industrial gearboxes under extreme pressure. Its premium mineral base ensures excellent viscosity control, while advanced sulfur-phosphorus additives deliver powerful anti-wear, anti-corrosion, and anti-foam protection. 

Built to reduce friction and extend gear life, it’s ideal for heavy industry—and equally effective for electric vehicle gear systems, where smooth power, durability, and efficiency are essential.

Lubrication Needs of Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles don’t use engine oil like regular cars, but they still need special lubricants designed for their unique systems. When creating or choosing lubricants for EVs, engineers have to think about several important factors:

• High Torque: EV motors create very strong torque, which puts more stress on mechanical parts.
• High-Speed Bearings: Bearings in EVs spin much faster than those in fuel engines, so they need strong lubrication.
• Heat Management: EV motors and bearings generate heat, and motor coils add even more. The lubricant must help remove this heat to keep the motor safe and efficient.
• Thermal Properties: EV lubricants need the right heat capacity and thermal conductivity. These properties help improve vehicle efficiency and driving range.
• Material Protection: Lubricants touch parts made of steel, copper, aluminum, and plastics. They must protect against problems like copper corrosion or plastic damage.
• Low Maintenance: EV owners expect fewer service needs. That means lubricants should last longer while still protecting key components.
• Electrical Conductivity: Since lubricants are close to electrical parts, their conductivity must be carefully controlled. Too much conductivity can cause current leakage, while too little can cause static buildup and damaging discharges.

Final Takeaways

Choosing the right gear oil means stronger protection, smoother performance, and longer life for your machinery. With advanced additives that fight wear, reduce friction, and handle extreme pressures, it’s a smart choice for both traditional equipment and modern electric vehicles. Keep your systems running at their best—reliable, efficient, and built to last.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use gear oil in my engine? 

No. Gear oil and engine oil are made for different purposes. Gear oil is designed for transmissions, differentials, and gear systems. Using it in your engine can cause serious damage. Always check your vehicle’s manual and use the right engine oil for your car.

Q2: Can I mix different gear oil brands?

It’s best to stick with one brand as recommended by your manufacturer. Mixing brands is possible if both have the same viscosity, API rating, and are made for the same use. Still, using one brand gives the best performance.

Q3: Can I mix mineral and synthetic gear oil?

We don’t recommend it. Mixing them can change how the oil performs and may cause damage to your vehicle. Always use one type.

Q4: How do I know which gear oil to use?

Check your vehicle’s manual or the manufacturer’s recommendations. Make sure you choose the correct type and viscosity grade. Also consider your local weather and driving conditions when selecting gear oil.