8 Electric Car Service Questions

If you’ve recently switched from a traditional gas-powered vehicle to an electric one, you may have questions about how to keep it maintained. Do electric cars have a transmission? Do electric cars need oil to run efficiently around Apex? To help, Hendrick Buick GMC Cary’s service team has compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions we get about EV service at our Cary service center. Read on to learn whether or not electric cars have horsepower measurements, alternators, and more with Hendrick Buick GMC Cary!

1. Do Electric Cars Need Oil?

One of the most common questions we hear from Holly Springs drivers is, “Do electric cars need oil to run?” The answer is no. The primary use of oil in a traditional gasoline-powered car is to lubricate the engine’s moving parts. Since electric vehicles don’t have a combustion engine, there’s no reason for EVs to use oil. That said, this rule only applies to all-electric vehicles– if you own a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, you’ll still need to keep up with regular oil changes for your vehicle’s engine. 

2. Do Electric Cars Have Horsepower?

As we’ve established, electric cars don’t have a combustion engine. So, do electric cars have horsepower? Yes! Though horsepower is typically used to measure the output of combustion engines, it’s such a common way to measure the power a vehicle is capable of that most automakers are sticking with the measurement. Some manufacturers are using a more accurate measurement, kilowatts (KW), to measure the output of their electric motors, but a simple Google search for “kw to hp” can assist in conversion. 

3. Do Electric Cars Have a Transmission?

Traditional gas-powered vehicles require multi-speed transmissions, often referred to by the number of gears and gear ratios used to control the power output from your combustion engine (i.e. six-speed or eight-speed transmissions). Since they have no combustion engines, do electric cars have transmissions? Yes, though they don’t have multiple gears. Electric cars output the same amount of torque within a certain range regardless of RPM, creating a relatively static power output that can be pre-calculated and integrated into the powertrain. These “one-speed” transmissions ensure drivers never have to worry about switching gears on the Raleigh roads. 

4. Do Electric Cars Have Alternators?

No, electric cars do not have alternators. Instead, electric vehicles have a DC-to-DC converter, which transfers power from your EV’s battery pack to power the smaller 12-volt battery responsible for powering your lights and in-cabin technology.

5. Do Electric Cars Have Catalytic Converters?

Catalytic converters are used in traditional gas-powered models to remove the byproducts of running the combustion engine. As there is no combustion engine in an electric vehicle, there is no need for a catalytic converter. 

6. Do Electric Cars Have Exhaust Systems? 

One of the primary benefits of choosing an EV over a traditional gasoline vehicle is the lack of exhaust. Since no fuel is required to power a combustion engine, electric cars, trucks, and SUVs have no exhaust and, therefore, no exhaust systems. 

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

Just like in traditional vehicles, electric cars have heaters and A/C to keep you comfortable, regardless of the temperature outside. The only difference is how these systems are powered, with EVs powering the heating and A/C from the battery pack, meaning excessive use could impact your vehicle’s range. 

8. Do Electric Cars Last Longer Than Gas Cars? 

Though EVs are still newcomers to an established marketplace, their government-backed battery warranties and simplified powertrains make them reliable choices for your journeys around Cary. Gas-powered models tend to have more moving parts than EVs, leading to higher chances of a part breaking or needing repair over the vehicle’s lifespan. 

Get More Information About EV Maintenance With Hendrick Buick GMC Cary

Now that you know more about EV service, you’re ready to hit the Fuquay Varina roads with confidence! If you have any questions about your new electric vehicle or what kind of service schedule you should be following, contact Hendrick Buick GMC Cary. Our team is here to assist so you can enjoy fuelless driving for years to come!