8 Electric Car Service Questions

As electric vehicles become more common on the road, many drivers question how they differ from gas-powered vehicles regarding maintenance. At Sam Leman Automotive Group, we will answer the most common electric car service questions to help you better understand your EV and how to care for it. Whether you’re already driving electric or considering making the switch, we are here to answer some key questions—like do electric cars need oil? Do they have horsepower and a transmission? Read on to find out!

1. Do Electric Cars Need Oil?

If a car runs on electricity only, it doesn’t need oil changes. Why is that? It doesn’t have a traditional gasoline-powered combustion engine. Oil isn’t necessary for an EV; oil’s purpose is to lubricate the moving parts of an engine. If there’s no engine to speak of—just an electric powertrain—there are no moving parts for the motor oil to lubricate. 

Worth Noting: Hybrid vehicles run on an electric battery + combustion engine combo and require regular oil changes like a conventional gas-powered car. 

2. Do Electric Cars Have Horsepower?

Yes, EVs have horsepower, although it’s not always measured as “horsepower.” Instead, some automakers measure the power of their EVs as “kW.” There isn’t much of a difference between the two. Using Google Search, search “kW to hp,” and you’ll find a converter at the top of the results page that tells you exactly how much horsepower an EV produces if its power is measured in kW. 

3. Do Electric Cars Have a Transmission?

Yes, they do, but they don’t need transmissions with multiple speeds, such as 6-speed or 8-speed transmissions. Internal combustion engines need several gears with varying gear ratios to output power. Electric motors produce the same amount of torque, regardless of RPM, within a specific range. Generating torque via revving isn’t necessary with electric motors because EVs produce power immediately. The gear ratios are precalculated and carefully integrated, so drivers don’t have to change gears. 

4. Do Electric Cars Have Alternators?

No, EVs, as well as hybrids, have a DC-to-DC converter. This recharges the 12-volt battery using power from the battery pack. 

5. Do Electric Cars Have Catalytic Converters?

No, catalytic converters aren’t needed in electric cars. Catalytic converters are necessary to remove the byproducts of internal combustion engines. EVs don’t have these kinds of engines, though, so catalytic converters aren’t necessary. 

6. Do Electric Cars Have Exhaust Systems? 

No, there are no exhaust pipes in electric cars. EVs don’t produce any exhaust gases. No gasoline is burned to power an EV, so there’s no need for an exhaust system. 

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

Yes, EVs have heat and air conditioning. By definition, electric cars rely on electricity stored in the batteries to run the heating and cooling systems. It’s worth noting that 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 cars have their advantages; They can travel further on a single fill-up, and it’s easier for drivers to replace parts as they wear out. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, can last longer with fewer repairs. That’s not to say that electric cars don’t require regular maintenance—they do—but the lack of moving parts within an EV greatly increases their longevity. 

Shop Electric Cars at Sam Leman Automotive Group

Do you still have questions about EVs? Visit Sam Leman Automotive Group for expert advice and certified car service. We are here to help you get the most out of your EV experience! If you have any more questions, contact us.