Eight Electric Vehicle Service Questions

At Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk, we’re proud to offer top-notch service for Virginia Beach drivers’ electric vehicles (EVs). Being one of the top EV servicers in the Chesapeake area, we get a lot of general questions about how EVs work and the parts they rely on to operate properly. Below, we’ve listed eight of those common questions, as well as our answers, to help you learn more about electric car service.

1. Do Electric Vehicles 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 Vehicles 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 Vehicles 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 Vehicles 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 Vehicles 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 Vehicles 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 Vehicles 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 Vehicles 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 on the Suffolk roads 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. 

Learn More About EV Service at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk 

Do you have additional questions about electric car service? Or, do you need to schedule service for your Chevrolet electric vehicle? Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk has you covered! While you’re here, be sure to browse our service and parts specials before you schedule your appointment at our Norfolk dealership.