8 Electric Car Service Questions

Although electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity among Birmingham drivers, some car shoppers want to know more about electric car services. Some of those questions include: Do electric cars have horsepower? Do electric cars need oil? and Do electric cars have transmissions? Just like traditional gas-powered cars, EVs also require regular maintenance. Of course, those maintenance needs vary. Find out the answers to the 8 most common electric car service questions in Vestavia Hills. Don’t hesitate to contact the service department at Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover if you still have questions!

1. Do Electric Cars Need Oil?

With fewer moving parts compared to conventional internal combustion engines (ICE) and hybrid powertrains, EVs don’t require oil to lubricate moving parts.

2. Do Electric Cars Have Horsepower?

Both ICE powertrains and electric motors produce horsepower (hp) and torque. Torque can be measured, while horsepower is calculated based on torque and the rotations per minute (rpm) of an engine or a motor. Keep in mind that some automakers rate their electric motors in kilowatts (kW) instead of horsepower. One kW is equal to 1.34102 hp. A quick internet search can find a unit converter to convert kilowatts to horsepower and vice versa. 

3. Do Electric Cars Have a Transmission?

Though electric cars have transmissions, they differ significantly from transmissions used in conventional gas- and diesel-powered vehicles. Where ICE powertrains use transmissions with multiple gears to improve response and fuel economy, most electric motors are paired with single-speed torque reduction transmissions. Electric motors produce instantaneous torque and thus don’t require gear changes.

4. Do Electric Cars Have Alternators?

With the difference in operation between ICE powertrains and electric motors, electric cars don’t have an alternator. Electric cars, and hybrid cars, feature a DC-to-DC converter to recharge the 12-volt battery using power from the battery pack. An alternator in a gas engine converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The 12-volt battery powers the vehicle’s security system when parked as well as runs the onboard computer and diagnostic systems. 

5. Do Electric Cars Have Catalytic Converters?

Since catalytic converters are used to clean exhaust gasses from an internal combustion engine, they aren’t needed on an electric car that gets its power from a rechargeable battery pack. 

6. Do Electric Cars Have Exhaust Systems? 

As with catalytic converters, EVs don’t require an exhaust system because there aren’t any exhaust gasses to expel.

7. Do Electric Cars Have Heaters/Do Electric Cars Have Air Conditioning? 

All modern vehicles feature heating and air conditioning systems to keep their occupants comfortable on every drive. Most EV climate control systems are powered by the battery pack, which means they must be as efficient as possible to minimize drain that can reduce overall range.

8. Do Electric Cars Last Longer Than Gas Cars?

EVs have fewer moving parts than gasoline engines, which gives them the potential to last longer with proper maintenance. Although gas engines can generally go longer between fill-ups and are easier to repair, that may change as EV technology improves.

Learn More About Electric Car Services at Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover 

Now that you know whether or not electric cars have horsepower, need oil, or have transmissions, you’re better prepared for a new electric vehicle, such as an Equinox EV, Blazer, EV, or Silverado EV. You can schedule service online or by phone at (205) 383-1619 for your Chevrolet vehicle at Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover. Be sure to browse our service specials and parts specials to save on your vehicle maintenance in Bessemer.