| Maintenance Item | Gas/Internal Combustion | Fully Electric (EV) |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Change | Every 5,000–7,500 Miles | Not Required |
| Brake Wear | Standard Wear & Tear | Slower (Regenerative Braking) |
| Transmission | Multi-speed / Fluid Flushes | Single-speed / Minimal Service |
| Coolant | Engine Cooling System | Battery Thermal Management |
Many Raleigh drivers considering an electric vehicle (EV) for their next car are interested in the differences between electric cars and conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. Although there are significant differences in how they operate, EVs still require routine maintenance. Are you ready to learn more about electric car service? Keep reading to find out 8 of the most common questions about electric car service, including, “Do electric cars need oil?”, “Do electric cars have horsepower?”, and “Do electric cars have transmissions?” from the service experts at Hendrick Chevrolet Southpoint!
Fully electric vehicles do not require oil changes. Rather than a conventional internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel), EVs feature an electric motor that receives power from an onboard battery pack. Unlike complex gasoline engines that require oil to lubricate its many moving parts, simple electric motors do not require oil.
Side Note: Hybrid vehicles run on an electric battery + combustion engine combo and do require regular oil changes like a conventional gas-powered car.
Electric motors produce both horsepower and torque. Torque is measured while horsepower is calculated. It’s important to note that some automakers rate their electric vehicle’s power in kilowatts (kW) instead of horsepower. One kW is equal to 1.34102 hp. A simple Google Search for “kW to hp,” will bring up a converter that allows you to convert kilowatts to horsepower and vice versa.
Although electric cars have transmissions, they are generally different from the transmissions used behind internal combustion engines. Where most internal combustion engines use transmissions with multiple gears, electric motors are often paired with single-speed torque reduction transmissions. With instant torque generation that isn’t affected by rpm, electric motors don’t require gear changes.
Electric cars do not have an alternator. Rather, they use a DC-to-DC converter that recharges the 12-volt battery using power from the battery pack. The 12-volt battery is used to run the EV’s onboard computer and diagnostic systems as well as the electric system, including the security system, when the car is parked.
EVs do not have catalytic converters. Catalytic converters are used to clean the exhaust emissions from internal combustion engines. EVs don’t use gasoline or diesel fuels, so catalytic converters aren’t necessary.
EVs do not have exhaust systems. Since no fuel is burned, electric motors do not produce exhaust gasses EVs don’t require an exhaust system.
EVs do have heaters and air conditioning. These climate control systems are generally powered by the electricity stored in the battery pack so their efficiency is related to the overall range of the EV.
While gas-powered cars have their advantages, such as typically longer ranges between fill-ups and parts being easier to replace, EVs have fewer moving parts, which means they can potentially last longer overall. Remember, EVs still require regular maintenance to maximize their longevity.
If you have additional questions about electric car service or need to schedule a service appointment for your Chevrolet vehicle, the team at Hendrick Chevrolet Southpoint can help! Be sure to browse our service specials and parts specials to save on your vehicle maintenance.