8 Electric Car Service Questions

Whether you’ve got your eye on a brand new Lexus RZ or any of our other electrified inventory, you might have some questions about electric car ownership. And luckily, Lexus of Palm Beach has the answers to the most common electric car service questions. Do electric cars need oil? Do electric cars have horsepower? Find out with our talented team of technicians, and be sure to stop by to test drive a few EV and hybrid models in West Palm Beach! 

1. Do Electric Cars Need Oil?

The top question we hear at the service center is “Do electric cars need oil?” The answer is no, only vehicles with internal combustion engines require motor oil. Motor oil is designed to lubricate moving parts within the engine, but the electric vehicle only uses a motor and battery. However, hybrid models will still need oil changes because they have both the electric motor and internal combustion engine.

2. Do Electric Cars Have Horsepower?

Do electric cars have horsepower like a conventional car? Yes, but it might be referred to as either horsepower or kilowatts (KW). If you’re interested in comparing two models, just search for a “KW to HP converter.” This tool will help you convert one unit to the other, so you can find a vehicle that meets your power requirements.

3. Do Electric Cars Have a Transmission?

Do electric cars have a transmission like a conventional car? They do have transmissions, but they operate in a different way. Conventional gas-powered cars produce different amounts of torque when revving the engine, and they need several different gears and gear ratios to keep up. Electric cars produce the same amount of torque within a certain range, regardless of RPM, so they can use simplified transmission systems.

4. Do Electric Cars Have Alternators?

No, electric cars don’t have alternators. Instead, EVs and hybrids both have a DC-to-DC converter. This converter recharges the 12-volt battery using power from the battery pack. 

5. Do Electric Cars Have Catalytic Converters?

No, catalytic converters aren’t found in electric cars at all. That’s because catalytic converters are designed to remove the byproducts of internal combustion engines. Since EVs don’t have engines at all, there is no need for a catalytic converter.

6. Do Electric Cars Have Exhaust Systems? 

No, electric cars don’t have exhaust systems at all. Because EVs don’t have exhaust systems, there is no exhaust produced. So you won’t see exhaust pipes on the back of an EV model.

7. Do Electric Cars Have Heaters and Air Conditioning? 

Yes, electric models have heating and cooling systems like any other vehicle. The difference is that electric cars use the same battery power for everything, from driving the car to powering the heater. This means that if you run your heater extra hot during Delray Beach winters, you might notice a sharp drop in your range.

8. Do Electric Cars Last Longer Than Gas Cars? 

Yes, many experts believe that electric cars last longer than gas cars. While gas cars still have tons of perks, electric cars are much simpler overall. This means fewer moving parts, less maintenance, and greater longevity on the Lake Worth roads.

Schedule Your Electric Car Service at Lexus of Palm Beach 

Are you ready to schedule your next electric car service? Or are you still looking for the perfect Lexus EV or hybrid? No matter your automotive needs, you can count on Lexus of Palm Beach to get the best driving experience possible in Palm Beach Gardens. Contact us with your questions or stop by our showroom in West Palm Beach to go over your options!