8 Electric Car Service Questions
Here at BMW of Florence, we’re proud to offer top-notch service for Darlington drivers’ electric vehicles, whether they come from our new or pre-owned BMW inventories. As one of the top electric car service centers in the Sumter area, we get a lot of general questions about how EVs work.Â
Do electric cars need oil? Do electric cars have horsepower? Do electric cars have a transmission, and where is it placed in the vehicle? Below, we’ve answered 8 of the most common electric car service questions for your convenience.
1. Do Electric Cars Last Longer Than Gas Cars?Â
Gas-powered cars have their advantages; they can travel further on a single fill-up, and it’s easier for Florence 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.Â
2. Do Electric Cars Have Heaters? Do Electric Cars Have Air Conditioning?Â
Yes, EVs have heat and air conditioning. 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.
3. Do Electric Cars Have Exhaust Systems?Â
No, there are no exhaust pipes in electric cars. EVs don’t produce any exhaust gases. No gasoline is burned to power an EV. Consequently, there’s no need for an exhaust system.Â
4. 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 required in their overall design.
5. Do Electric Cars Have Alternators?
No, EVs have a DC-to-DC converter. Hybrids also utilize a DC-to-DC converter. This recharges the 12-volt battery using power from the battery pack.Â
6. Do Electric Cars Have a Transmission?
Yes, electric cars do have a transmission built in. However, 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.Â
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.Â
7. Do Electric Cars Have Horsepower?
Yes, 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. You can use a multitude of online search engines to 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.Â
8. Do Electric Cars Need Oil?
Do electric cars need oil to run on the roads of Marion? 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.Â
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. Hybrid vehicles run on an electric battery + combustion engine combo and do require regular oil changes like a conventional gas-powered car.Â
Get Exemplary EV Repairs at BMW of Florence
Do you have additional questions about electric car service? You can count on the team at BMW of Florence to provide you with additional answers! Our sole purpose is to ensure that your lifestyle as a BMW EV owner is as smooth and hassle-free as possible!
More From BMW of Florence
2025 BMW 5 Series Interior
The 2025 BMW 5 Series interior offers an elegant blend of modern luxury and advanced technology, making every drive a first-class experience. Designed with premium materials and driver-focused features, this luxury sedan delivers exceptional comfort for the driver and passengers. From the ambient lighting to the premium seating, every detail is crafted to elevate your…
2025 BMW X3 Overview
Popular among Darlington drivers, the 2025 BMW X3 redesign adds even more performance and sophistication to this competent SUV. Are you looking for more information about the updates to the 2025 BMW X3? Discover more about the 2025 BMW X3, including styling and popular features as well as the BMW X3 price by trim level…
2025 BMW X5 Exterior
You’ll love seeing the elegantly styled 2025 BMW X5 in your Darlington garage. This midsize luxury crossover boasts a sharp-looking exterior with a beautiful range of color options, but is it a good size for your needs? The BMW X5 dimensions lend themselves to smooth handling and agility to help you maneuver like a pro….