Whether you’re in the market for a new Lexus RZ or you’re ready for your first EV maintenance visit, many Town 'N' Country drivers have questions about the service requirements for an electric vehicle. And luckily, the team at Lexus of Tampa Bay is here with answers! Get to know the top 8 electric car service questions, from “Do electric cars need oil?” to “Do electric cars have a transmission?” and get in touch to find out more!
Do electric cars need oil to run smoothly in Brandon? No, in fact, electric cars don’t need motor oil at all. That’s because they don’t have a conventional engine, just a battery and an electric motor. However, this only applies to EV models. If you have a hybrid or PHEV, you’ll still need to schedule those oil changes.
Do electric cars have horsepower like gas-powered vehicles? Yes, but sometimes you’ll hear it referred to as either “horsepower” or “kilowatts”. If you want to compare different models with different specs, just look up “KW to HP converter”. This will allow you to switch between units with ease.
Do electric cars have a transmission like gas-powered vehicles? EVs do have a transmission, but it operates a little differently than a gas-powered car. Gas-powered models need the option of several gears with different gear ratios because their torque varies depending on RPM. Electric vehicles produce the same amount of torque, regardless of RPM, so they use precalculated ratios instead. Single and multiple-speed transmissions can be found on EVs.
Do electric cars need alternators? No, alternators are only used for gas-powered vehicles. Instead, you’ll find a DC-to-DC converter under the hood of your EV. This component recharges your 12-volt battery with the power from the battery pack.
What about catalytic converters? No, you won’t find a catalytic converter in your Lexus RZ. Catalytic converters remove the byproducts of internal combustion engines, so they aren’t necessary in electric cars.
Do electric cars have exhaust systems? No, EVs don’t have exhaust systems at all. That means no exhaust fumes and no exhaust pipes on the back of your vehicle.
Do electric cars use a traditional heating or cooling system? Yes, they include all the climate control amenities that you’d expect. However, it’s important to remember that your EV uses battery power for everything. So the same power used to get your car moving is the same power used to run your cooling system. In a sweltering Brandon summer, running your air conditioning system can reduce your range.
Do electric cars last longer than gas-powered models in Riverview? Many experts believe that the answer is yes! Electric cars last longer with fewer repairs, and they have fewer moving parts to break down over time. That leads to impressive longevity.
Want to schedule your next electric car service or are you interested in seeing the new Lexus RZ? Feel free to contact us for more information or stop by our dealership in Tampa. Our team is here for all of your automotive needs, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
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