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At Big Star Buick GMC, we’re proud to offer top-notch service for Houston drivers’ electric vehicles (EVs). Being one of the top EV servicers in the Channelview 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.
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.
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.
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.
No, EVs, as well as hybrids, have a DC-to-DC converter. This recharges the 12-volt battery using power from the battery pack.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do you have additional questions about electric car service? Or, do you need to schedule service for your Buick, GMC electric vehicle? Big Star Buick GMC has you covered! While you’re here, be sure to browse our service specials and parts specials before you schedule your appointment at our Baytown dealership.
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