8 Electric Car Service Questions

iAUTOHAUS is your premier Tempe used luxury car dealer, and in addition to our extensive inventory, we’re proud to offer expert auto maintenance and repair for drivers throughout the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. That means we can provide electric car service as well. If you’re considering upgrading to one of our used electric vehicles, you may be wondering:

• Do electric cars need oil?
• Do electric cars have horsepower?
• Do electric cars have a transmission?

In this guide from our electric car service team, you’ll find the answers to these questions and more. If you’re due for your next electric car service, schedule an appointment with us online today!

1. Do Electric Cars Need Oil?

An EV is powered by an electric motor and battery pack, and does not require oil. Note that hybrid electric vehicles are equipped with both an electric motor and a combustion engine, so they will require regular oil changes like a conventional gas-powered car.

2. Do Electric Cars Have Horsepower?

EVs do generate horsepower, although some automakers measure the power of their EVs as “KW.” There is basically not much of a difference between the two. You’ll find handy KW to HP converters online that can tell you exactly how much horsepower an EV produces if its power is measured in KW.

3. Do Electric Cars Have a Transmission?

Electric vehicles come equipped with a transmission, but they work differently than the transmission used for an internal combustion engine, which requires 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 in an EV transmission are precalculated and carefully integrated, so drivers don’t have to change gears.

4. Do Electric Cars Have Alternators?

Electric vehicles do not have an alternator. EVs, as well as hybrids, have a DC-to-DC converter that recharges the 12-volt battery using power from the battery pack.

5. Do Electric Cars Have Catalytic Converters?

Catalytic converters remove the byproducts of internal combustion engines, so since EVs don’t have these kinds of engines, catalytic converters aren’t necessary.

6. Do Electric Cars Have Exhaust Systems?

There are no exhaust pipes in electric cars. EVs produce zero emissions, so there’s no need for an exhaust system.

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

Yes, your electric car will have both heating and air conditioning. You should note that since electric cars rely on electricity stored in the batteries to run the heating and cooling systems, the design/efficiency of those systems can impact the overall driving range of the car.

8. Do Electric Cars Last Longer Than Gas Cars?

Electric cars can last longer than gas-powered vehicles and generally require fewer repairs. You’ll still need to keep up to date with your scheduled electric car service, but the lack of moving parts within an EV greatly increases its longevity.

Learn More About Electric Car Service at iAUTOHAUS

Feel free to contact us if you have additional questions about electric car service, how long it takes to charge an EV, and more. The professionals in our SNAP authorized service and repair center will be happy to provide you with the information you require and fill you in on the services we provide. Be sure to browse our current service specials and coupons to take advantage of some of the best deals in the Chandler area. We’re here to ensure that your EV or gas-powered vehicle is always running at peak performance levels, so come see us today!