Top 8 Electric Vehicle Service Questions

At Lexus of Cherry Hill, we get a lot of questions about EV service. Do electric vehicles like the Lexus TX PHEV need oil Do EVs have horsepower? Do electric cars have a transmission? We’re here to help.

Whether you drive an EV in Voorhees or you’re thinking of making the switch, get to know the answer to some of the most common electric car service questions – and schedule your next appointment at our Mt. Laurel service center!

1. Do Electric Vehicles Need Oil?

So, do electric cars need oil? The answer is no. Because there is no internal combustion engine, there is no need for motor oil. That means no need for oil changes. The only exception is if you drive a hybrid vehicle instead of a pure EV, because hybrid vehicles still have a gas-powered engine.

2. Do EVs Have Horsepower?

Do electric cars have horsepower? Yes, but it might be called “KW” instead of horsepower. The two are very similar and you can look up “kw to hp” calculators if you want to compare models directly.

3. Do EVs Have a Transmission?

Do electric cars have a transmission like gas-powered cars? Yes, electric cars have a transmission. However, it’s a little different than a gas-powered model. Gas-powered models typically have multiple-speed transmissions, like a 6-speed or an 8-speed configuration, because the engine adjusts gear ratios based on output power. EVs generate the same amount of torque at a given range, so there’s no need for multiple speeds. The gear ratios are precalculated and there’s no need to change gears.

4. Do EVs Have Alternators?

No, neither electric vehicles nor hybrid cars use an alternator. Instead, you’ll find a DC-to-DC converter under the hood. The converter uses the power from the battery pack to recharge the 12-volt battery.

5. Do EVs Have Catalytic Converters?

No, electric cars don’t have a catalytic converter. Catalyst converters are specifically designed for internal combustion engines. Since the electric vehicle uses an electric motor instead, the catalytic converter is not needed.

6. Do EVs Have Exhaust Systems?

No, there are no exhaust pipes in electric cars. EVs don’t produce any exhaust gases. No fuel is burnt to power an EV, so there’s no need for an exhaust system.

7. Do EVs Have Heaters and Air Conditioning?

Yes, electric cars have both heating and cooling systems onboard for more comfortable Moorestown commutes. Keep in mind that EVs power heating and cooling systems from the power in the battery. This can influence your available range on particularly hot or cold days.

8. Do EVs Last Longer Than Gas Cars?

Yes, electric cars can last longer than gas-powered vehicles. Why? They use a simple design with far fewer moving parts, which means less wear and tear overall. And while maintenance is needed from time to time, the maintenance work is usually shorter and the bill is usually more affordable!

Schedule Your Lexus EV or PHEV Service at Lexus of Cherry Hill

Now you know all about electric car service, so are you due for a maintenance visit? Contact our Lexus certified service team at Lexus of Cherry Hill to find out more about the recommended maintenance schedule for your make and model with our Lexus service tips guides, or schedule your service online. You can also swing by our dealership in Mt. Laurel to see which new Lexus cars are right for your Philadelphia travels and continue your Lexus model research!