8 Electric Car Service Questions

Electric vehicles are becoming more common on the roads outside Newmarket. As more are released, Aurora and Toronto drivers have some questions about these emerging vehicles. Among the ones we receive are “Do electric cars have horsepower?” and “Do electric cars have a transmission?” We have also received a lot of questions related to electric car service and other EV maintenance topics.

To better summarize, Mercedes-Benz Newmarket has put together an article dedicated to the most prominent questions we’ve received. Beyond electric car service, let’s find out what drivers around Newmarket want to know about electric vehicles.

1. Do Electric Cars Need Oil?

This is probably the most prominent question we’ve received in the recent months and the answer is no. If the vehicle runs on electricity solely, it won’t require oil changes. This is because it doesn’t have the traditional gasoline-powered combustion engine. Oil is not required in an electric vehicle as its primary purpose is to lubricate the moving parts of a vehicle’s engine. If there’s no traditional engine, just an electric option, there’s no moving parts that need lubrication.

Worth Noting: All hybrid vehicles feature an Electric Battery + Combustion Engine Combo, which means you do need regular oil changes like a standard gas-powered vehicle.

2. Do Electric Cars Have Horsepower?

All electric vehicles have horsepower, yet they’re not measured as “Horsepower.” Some EV automakers will measure their power in electric cars as “KW.” In reality, there’s not much difference between the two. Using your Internet search browser, to search “KW to HW,” you might be able to find something that determines how much horsepower an EV will produce if its power is going to be measured in KW.

3. Do Electric Cars Have a Transmission?

Electric vehicles do, yet they don’t need transmission with multiple speeds, like the 6-speed or 8-speed. Internal combustion engines require several gears with multiple gear ratios to output power. An electric motor produced the same amount of torque, regardless of the RPM within a specific range. Generating torque via revving isn’t necessary with an electric motor configuration since EV’s don’t make immediate power. The gear ratios have been precalculated and carefully integrated, the result being drivers won’t have to change gears.

4. Do Electric Cars Have Alternators?

No. Instead, Electric vehicles, as well as hybrid models, have a DC-to-DC converter. This will easily recharge the 12-volt using power from the battery pack.

5. Do Electric Cars Have Catalytic Converters?

No, catalytic converters aren’t needed in electric vehicles. Catalytic converters are necessary to remove the byproducts and aftereffects of internal combustion engines. Electric vehicles don’t have these types of engines, as a result catalytic converters aren’t necessary.

6. Do Electric Cars Have Exhaust Systems?

No, there are no exhaust pipes in electric vehicles. This means they won’t produce exhaust gasses. As a result, there’s no fuel to burn to power in this vehicle. Resulting in no need for an exhaust system.

7. Do Electric Cars Have Heaters/Do Electric Cars Have Air Conditioning?

They do. As a result, electric cars rely on the electricity stored in their batteries to run the heating and cooling systems. It’s worth noting that the design and efficiency of these vehicle systems can directly impact the range of your vehicle.

8. Do Electric Cars Last Longer Than Gas Cars?

Gas-powered vehicles have their strengths, they’ll be able to travel further on a single fill-up and it’s far easier for drivers to replace parts as they wear out over time. Electric vehicles are expected to last longer with few repairs in general. That doesn’t mean that electric vehicles don’t need regular maintenance, but the lack of moving parts within an EV should increase their longevity.

Learn More About Electric Car Service at Mercedes-Benz Newmarket

Do you have additional questions or comments about electric car service or perhaps need some service for your EV? Mercedes-Benz Newmarket near Markham can help. We also have an EV inventory if you’re looking to buy your first electric car. You can also look at our new vehicle offers, alongside service and parts specials. Find out all about electric vehicles with us at our Newmarket dealership. See you soon!