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How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
EV and Hybrid Maintenance
Do electric cars need oil changes? Do hybrids? Here is what the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) says about maintaining all-electric vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids, from fluids and brakes to the high-voltage battery.
Lessmaintenance for all-electric vehicles than for conventional vehicles, per the AFDC
Similarmaintenance to conventional vehicles for hybrids and plug-in hybrids
Longerbrake life, generally, from regenerative braking
8 yr / 100k miEV battery warranty many manufacturers offer
The short answer
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids have an internal combustion engine, so the AFDC says they need the same general maintenance as conventional vehicles; follow your owner's manual for engine service such as oil changes. All-electric vehicles typically need less maintenance: the battery, motor and electronics need little to no regular maintenance, there are fewer fluids such as engine oil, brake wear is significantly reduced, and there are far fewer moving parts.
Maintenance by vehicle type
How the AFDC describes maintenance for each type of electric-drive vehicle:
| Vehicle type | Compared with a conventional vehicle | What is different |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid (HEV) | Same general maintenance as a conventional vehicle, because it has an internal combustion engine | Electrical system (battery, motor, electronics) typically needs minimal scheduled maintenance; brakes generally last longer because of regenerative braking |
| Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | Same general maintenance as a conventional vehicle, because it has an internal combustion engine | Electrical system typically needs minimal scheduled maintenance; brakes generally last longer because of regenerative braking |
| All-electric (EV) | Less maintenance than a conventional vehicle | Battery, motor and electronics need little to no regular maintenance; fewer fluids, such as engine oil; brake wear significantly reduced; far fewer moving parts |
From AFDC, Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles, read November 8, 2026.
All-electric vehicles
No combustion engine. The AFDC says all-electric vehicles have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine, use a large traction battery pack to power the motor, and do not contain the typical liquid fuel components, such as a fuel pump, fuel line or fuel tank.
Why they need less maintenance. The battery, motor and associated electronics require little to no regular maintenance; there are fewer fluids, such as engine oil, that require regular maintenance; brake wear is significantly reduced due to regenerative braking; and there are far fewer moving parts than in a conventional engine.
It still has an auxiliary battery. An EV also has a lower-voltage auxiliary battery that powers vehicle accessories, recharged through a DC/DC converter from the traction battery, and a thermal (cooling) system that keeps the motor, power electronics and other components in their operating temperature range.
From AFDC, Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles and AFDC, How Do All-Electric Cars Work?, read November 8, 2026.
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids
The engine still needs care. Because hybrids and plug-in hybrids have internal combustion engines, the AFDC says their maintenance requirements are similar to those of conventional vehicles.
The electric side needs little. The electrical system (battery, motor and associated electronics) typically requires minimal scheduled maintenance.
Brakes last longer. Brake systems generally last longer than those on conventional vehicles because of regenerative braking, which captures energy normally lost during braking by using the electric motor as a generator and storing that energy in the battery.
From AFDC, Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles and AFDC, Hybrid Electric Vehicles, read November 8, 2026.
Battery checks and warranty
Coolant checks. Some automotive battery systems use liquid coolant to maintain safe operating temperatures, and the AFDC says these systems may require regular checks. Ask your dealer or refer to your owner's manual.
Cycle life. The advanced batteries in these vehicles have a limited number of charging cycles (the number of times the battery can be charged and discharged, also called cycle life). The AFDC suggests checking with the dealer about battery life and warranties.
Warranty. EV batteries are designed for extended life but will wear out eventually. While comprehensive data on EV battery failures is not available, many manufacturers offer 8-year/100,000-mile warranties for their EV batteries. If a battery needs to be replaced outside the warranty, the AFDC says it is expected to be a significant expense.
From AFDC, Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles, read November 8, 2026.
High-voltage safety
Same federal standards. Commercially available electric vehicles, other than low-speed (neighborhood) electric vehicles, must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and undergo the same safety testing as conventional vehicles sold in the United States.
High voltage, sealed packs. All-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hybrids have high-voltage electrical systems that typically range from 400 to 1,000 volts. Battery packs are encased in sealed shells, high-voltage lines are insulated, and high-voltage cables are typically marked with distinctive coloring, usually orange.
From AFDC, Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles, read November 8, 2026.
Service at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids still have an internal combustion engine, so follow the engine maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 8, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
EV and hybrid maintenance FAQ
Do electric cars need oil changes?
An all-electric vehicle has an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine, and the AFDC lists fewer fluids, such as engine oil, that require regular maintenance among the reasons EVs typically need less maintenance than conventional vehicles. Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual for the items that do apply.
Do hybrid cars need oil changes?
The AFDC says hybrids and plug-in hybrids have internal combustion engines, so their maintenance requirements are similar to those of conventional vehicles. For engine service such as oil changes, follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.
Why do hybrid and EV brakes wear less?
Regenerative braking. The AFDC says brake systems on hybrids and plug-in hybrids generally last longer than those on conventional vehicles, and brake wear on all-electric vehicles is significantly reduced, because of regenerative braking, which captures energy normally lost during braking by using the electric motor as a generator.
Does an EV battery need maintenance?
The AFDC says the battery, motor and associated electronics in an all-electric vehicle require little to no regular maintenance. Some battery systems use liquid coolant to maintain safe operating temperatures, and those systems may require regular checks; ask your dealer or check your owner's manual.
How long are EV batteries warrantied?
The AFDC says that while comprehensive data on EV battery failures is not available, many manufacturers offer 8-year/100,000-mile warranties for their EV batteries. Check the warranty for your specific vehicle.
Are electric vehicles safe?
The AFDC says commercially available electric vehicles, other than low-speed (neighborhood) electric vehicles, must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and undergo the same safety testing as conventional vehicles sold in the United States. Their battery packs are encased in sealed shells and tested for conditions such as overcharge, vibration, extreme temperatures, short circuit, fire, collision and water immersion.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Questions about maintenance?
Talk with the Michigan City Ford service team, or check the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.
Sources
Maintenance, battery, warranty and safety details are from the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, read November 8, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website.
- AFDC, Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, How Do All-Electric Cars Work?, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026