Electric Car Service: Frequently Asked Questions

At Tuscaloosa Ford, Birmingham and Bessemer drivers ask us many questions about electric car service, including:

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

If you’re also curious about these topics, you’ve come to the right place. This guide answers some of the most frequently asked questions about electric car service. Learn more below, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions.

1. Do Electric Cars Need Oil?

If a car runs on electricity only, it doesn’t need oil changes. Why is that? Because 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 do 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 fuel 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. 

Schedule Electric Car Service in Tuscaloosa

Whether you still have questions about electric car service or need to schedule an appointment at our service center near Centreville, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or at (659) 251-2964. While you’re here, be sure to explore our service specials.