Electric Car Service Questions – What You Need to Know

As more North Muskegon and Coopersville drivers make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), understanding electric car service becomes increasingly important. Unlike traditional gas-powered cars, EVs operate with fewer moving parts and require different types of maintenance. At Betten Auto Group, we’ll answer your most common EV-related questions, such as: 

• Do electric cars need oil?
• Do electric cars have horsepower?
• Do electric cars have a transmission?
• And more!

1. Do Electric Cars Need Oil?

If cars run on electricity only, then electric cars do not need oil. Why is that? Electric cars do not 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 do require regular oil changes like a conventional gas-powered car. 

2. Do Electric Cars Have Horsepower?

Yes, electric cars 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, electric cars have a transmission, 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. 

Get Expert Electric Car Service at Betten Auto Group

At Betten Auto Group, we specialize in electric car service to keep your EV running efficiently in Grand Haven. Whether you need battery diagnostics, brake maintenance, or software updates, our certified technicians are here to help. Schedule your electric car service in Muskegon today! Visit our dealership for professional EV maintenance you can trust. We use only genuine parts. If you have any questions or want to learn more, please contact us.