8 Common Electric Car Service Questions

You can expect top-notch service from the team at Hendrick Cadillac Monroe, and Charlotte drivers’ electric vehicles will be properly cared for in Monroe. We are frequently asked questions about how to properly care for electric vehicles. Questions like do electric cars need oil, how do they work, and do electric cars have horsepower? Below, we cover eight of the most common electric car service questions, so drivers can learn more about electric car service.

1. Do Electric Cars Need Oil?

Electric cars don’t need oil because they run on electricity. How does this work? Well, oil is used for gasoline-powered combustion engines to keep them running smoothly. Because EVs don’t have an engine, just an electric motor, there aren’t any moving parts for the oil to lubricate. Keep in mind, hybrid vehicles run on an electric battery and combustion engine combination and do require regular oil changes like a conventional gas-powered car. 

2. Do Electric Cars Have Horsepower?

Do electric cars have horsepower? Yes, they do. Horsepower isn’t measured the same with EVs all of the time, but instead as kW. There isn’t much of a difference, and drivers can search “kW to hp” on Google to get a better idea of how much power their vehicle is producing. 

3. Do Electric Cars Have a Transmission?

EVs have a transmission, but they don’t need transmissions with multiple speeds, such as 6-speed or 8-speed transmissions. A traditional internal combustion engine needs several gears with varying gear ratios to output power, but EV motors can produce the same amount of torque, regardless of RPM within a specific range. Producing torque via revving isn’t necessary with electric vehicle motors either, because EVs produce power immediately. The gear ratios are precalculated and carefully integrated, so drivers don’t have to switch gears when driving their EV. 

4. Do Electric Cars Have Alternators?

Electric cars and hybrid models have DC-to-DC converters instead of alternators; this model recharges the 12-volt battery using power from the battery pack. 

5. Do Electric Cars Have Catalytic Converters?

Catalytic converters also aren’t needed in an EV. Pineville drivers don’t need anything to remove the byproducts of internal combustion because electric vehicles don’t have that type of engine. 

6. Do Electric Cars Have Exhaust Systems? 

Electric cars don’t have exhaust systems and don’t produce any exhaust gasses, because no fuel is burnt to power an EV, so there’s no need for an exhaust system. 

7. Do Electric Cars Have Heaters and Air Conditioning? 

Electric cars rely on electricity stored in the batteries to run the heating and cooling systems, and the design/efficiency of those systems is important to the overall range of the car. 

8. Do Electric Cars Last Longer Than Gas Cars? 

Gas-powered vehicles can travel farther on a single fill-up and it’s easier for drivers to replace parts when they wear down. Electric vehicles can last longer with fewer repairs. Electric vehicles do require regular maintenance, but the lack of moving parts increases their longevity as compared to combustion engine-powered vehicles. 

Get Your EV Serviced at Hendrick Cadillac Monroe Today!

If you still have questions about how to properly care for your Concord EV, or you are interested in scheduling service, contact our team today! Hendrick Cadillac Monroe has you covered! Meanwhile, be sure to browse our service specials to save money on your appointment at our Monroe dealership.