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Electric Car Service Questions

2022 Kia EV6 in the Mountains

Whether you’re thinking of getting an electric car in Leominster or you recently got the keys to one, you might be curious about electric car service and how they might be different from their gas-powered cousins. Are you curious about do electric cars have horsepower? Do electric cars have transmissions? You have questions, and we have the answers! See what our service experts in Lancaster have to say about the following questions below. 

Electric cars do have a transmission, 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. An electric car does not need oil changes because it doesn’t have a traditional gasoline-powered combustion engine. Oil is used to lubricate the moving parts of an engine, but since 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 and combustion engine combo. In this case, when it comes to the question of “do electric cars need oil?” the answer is yes – they do.

Yes, electric cars do have horsepower! But it’s not always measured as “horsepower.” Instead, some automakers measure the power of their EVs as “KW” though 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.

They do! 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.

No, catalytic converters aren’t needed in electric cars. Catalytic converters are necessary to remove the byproducts of internal combustion engines. Since EVs don’t have these kinds of engines, catalytic converters aren’t necessary.

No, but EVs, as well as hybrids, have a DC-to-DC converter instead. This recharges the 12-volt battery using power from the battery pack.

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. This is one of the main reasons why Gardner drivers make the switch to an EV!

As more and more electric vehicles are seen on the streets of Leominster, it’s important to understand the EV battery technology. With EVs offering a variety of features, benefits, and incentives, Ron Bouchard Kia has compiled a list of the different electric vehicle battery types and how they can elevate your drive so that you can better understand what you’re getting when you make the switch.

The Four Types of Electric Vehicle Batteries

There are two kinds of electric vehicles on the market: all-electric or plug-in hybrid electric. Depending on the type of vehicle you choose, your electric vehicle battery will vary. While most EV battery technology is made with about 100,000 miles or an eight-year lifespan in mind, some batteries can last up to 12 or 15 years depending on the climate. 

There are typically one of four types of batteries used in electric vehicles: lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, lead-acid, or ultracapacitors. 

  • Lithium-Ion Batteries: Thanks to their high energy efficiency, exceptional temperature performance, and high power-to-weight ratio, lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of electric vehicle battery. Their ability to store a lot of energy in a small package is what allows electric vehicles to drive for longer on a single charge. Lithium-ion batteries also have a low “self-discharge” rate, meaning they can keep their batteries full for longer. 
  • Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries: Without an external plug-in, nickel-metal hydride batteries are most commonly used in hybrid-electric vehicles which use fuel to recharge. Though they can be used in some all-electric vehicles, they are less effective due to a high “self-discharge” rate, significant heat generation, and higher cost. That said, nickel-metal hydride batteries have a longer life cycle than both lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, making them a solid choice for hybrid vehicles. 
  • Lead-Acid Batteries: Currently, lead-acid batteries are being used as supplementary batteries in electric vehicles. While they are reliable, high-powered, and inexpensive, their poor cold-temperature performance and shorter lifespan make them difficult to use on their own. However, EV battery technology is always growing and some high-powered lead-acid batteries are currently in development. 
  • Ultracapacitor Batteries: Another type of supplementary battery, ultracapacitor batteries help level other electrochemical battery’s loads. They can also offer extra resources to help with regenerative braking and acceleration. 

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 cars, 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.

Hybrid Battery Replacement Cost

The good news is that hybrid batteries last a lot longer than the typical automotive battery, but eventually you’re going to want to know how much does a hybrid battery cost? Well that is where it gets a little tougher. The bad news is that hybrid battery replacement costs can be significantly more expensive. So, how much does a hybrid battery cost? Depending on your make and model, a hybrid battery cost will run you between $2,000 to $8,000. 

How Often Should You Replace a Hybrid Battery?

If you’re startled at the hybrid battery cost, don’t forget that a hybrid battery lasts much longer than a standard automotive battery. While a battery on a gas-powered car will last 3 to 4 years, many drivers get 8 to 15 years or anywhere between 100,000-150,000 miles on a single hybrid battery, which can offset the hybrid battery replacement costs considerably. Here are some ways to keep your battery in top shape throughout your Leominster travels.

  • Extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on any automotive battery. Try to keep your car protected from the worst of summer and winter temperatures.
  • Your hybrid will warn you of any troubles through its integrated dashboard warning light system. Be sure to visit the service center promptly if you notice a new light pop up.
  • Sometimes you’ll get an alert about a hybrid system malfunction, but it’s not always related to the battery. Schedule auto service to rule out any big problems.

If you find yourself having questions about how much does a hybrid battery cost, then reach out to our team and we’ll help you make sure that you’re prepared. But, the technology behind hybrid batteries is continuing to improve as the years go on, and as a result their longevity can continue to improve as the years go by.

Learn More About Electric Car Service from Ron Bouchard Kia

Have more questions? Be sure to contact us! You can schedule service online and let our team take care of your vehicle, whether it’s standard combustion, a hybrid, or a full-on EV.

 

2022 Kia EV6 Grille
Ron Bouchard Kia 42.519464, -71.700883.
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