It is easy to assume that electric vehicles do not need oil at all, since they have no combustion engine. But it is not that simple. The complexity can be so great that even workshops struggle to keep pace as so many new vehicle brands and models rapidly enter the Nordic and European markets. With BluEV, FUCHS aims to change that.

A newly purchased electric vehicle has no combustion engine and therefore does not need oil changes in the traditional sense. This leads many people to conclude that it is virtually maintenance-free. However, lubricants and service fluids still have an important role to play.

An electric vehicle may not need engine oil in the same way as a petrol or diesel vehicle, but it contains a range of components that must be lubricated, cooled and protected to work together reliably over time. Electrification does not mean the end of maintenance. It means that maintenance needs are changing.

For workshops, electrification brings an entirely new level of complexity. A changing vehicle market also changes the requirements for servicing, product selection and expertise.

The biggest challenge for workshops: finding the right product

The vehicle fleet is changing at lightning speed, and car brands that were previously unfamiliar are becoming an increasingly common sight on our roads. Routine engine oil changes must now be replaced by knowledge of new designs, components and the requirements of different manufacturers. This development is having a major impact on the service market. Knowing which products are suitable for a specific vehicle, or how to find that information, is becoming particularly important as new brands and models continue to enter the market.

“These are highly specialised oils. You cannot use just any oil. The workshop needs to know exactly which product or products are right for the specific vehicle. At the same time, many new models are not even included in the industry’s oil guides because the necessary data is not yet available,” says Johan Bolkéus, Automotive Product Manager at FUCHS.

Electrification does not make choosing service fluids any easier. Quite the opposite. It places greater demands on expertise, clear product information and reliable product recommendations.

Lubricate, cool and protect

In an electric powertrain, the same fluid may need to perform several functions simultaneously. Specially developed fluids, for example, can cool the electric motor while also lubricating the transmission. Such a lubricant must efficiently dissipate heat, provide the correct friction characteristics and be compatible with the materials and components in the system. Batteries, battery cables and charging equipment also require temperature control. This is a safety issue, as an overheated battery can catch fire.

Maintenance is also required in more areas than the motor, powertrain, transmission and braking system. As in conventional vehicles, wheel bearings, chassis components, seals, controls and interior components may also need lubrication or protection.

“A single car seat can have around thirty lubrication points,” says Johan Bolkéus. “Grease can even influence how it feels to press a button inside the vehicle.”

Much of this is about reducing friction, wear and corrosion, but also about perceived quality. In a quiet electric vehicle, unwanted noises from seats, door panels and centre consoles are far more noticeable than in a vehicle with a combustion engine.

FUCHS BluEV: a comprehensive support concept

A market that is moving this quickly and unpredictably places high demands on service providers to choose exactly the right product from the outset. Incorrect choices can have serious consequences. Supplier flexibility is therefore also essential. FUCHS has an advantage here as an original equipment supplier that develops products in close collaboration with vehicle manufacturers, including several manufacturers in Asia.

“As I see it, one of our most important tasks today is to understand the day-to-day reality of workshops and the challenges they face,” says Helena Keller, Director Sales Automotive FUCHS Sweden. “To assess the needs of an individual vehicle, you need information about new models, powertrains and manufacturers entering the market. You also need to understand how difficult it can be to identify the right service product for an application when all the information on the packaging may, for example, be written in Chinese. That is why I see helping workshops with this task as one of our most important responsibilities.”

This is where FUCHS BluEV comes in.

With BluEV, FUCHS combines technical expertise and advice with a comprehensive product range for electrified vehicles, from small and light to large and heavy. The aim is to help workshops and other industry stakeholders interpret new requirements, identify the right products and respond as models and technologies evolve.

“Under the FUCHS BluEV umbrella, we bring together everything related to electric vehicles,” explains Helena Keller. “This includes transmission fluids, coolants, thermal management fluids and greases, as well as dry-film lubricants and products that protect components. Together with manufacturers, researchers and battery producers, we also continue to learn something new every day. We are always happy to share that knowledge.”

“As an original equipment supplier, we know what we are doing. At the same time, the vehicle fleet is changing, and we must do our part to ensure that workshops can continue to service it. Customers should feel confident in the products being used. My advice to anyone who does not already know which product is right, or cannot find the answer themselves, is to contact one of our experts. We are happy to help, whether you need guidance or simply want to confirm your choice.”