EV Maintenance FAQ Tips

Electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming a popular choice among many Normal car buyers. When you choose an electric BMW like the BMW i4 or BMW iX, you’ll get to enjoy the incredible performance that standard BMW vehicles are known for but with the added benefit of an EV powertrain. With the advancements made in electric vehicle technology, you’ll find that modern EVs can often go hundreds of miles without having to charge at all.

As electric vehicles become more sought after, we know many potential owners are wondering what maintenance is like on them. Fortunately, the service professionals from BMW of Bloomington are here to help. We’re going to go over some EV maintenance FAQ tips and answer some questions that include:

• Do electric cars need oil changes?
• Do electric vehicles have transmissions?
• Do electric cars have alternators?
• Do electric cars last longer than gas cars? 

Commonly Asked Questions About EVs

Decatur shoppers will be happy to hear that electric vehicles don’t require much more maintenance than a standard gas-powered vehicle. In fact, some EVs may need even less maintenance, making them a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a worry-free daily driver.

However, we understand that some electric vehicle owners may have some questions about maintenance such as, “Do electric cars need oil?” or, “Do electric vehicles have transmissions?” These are all good questions, and we’re here to inform you about everything you need to know about EV maintenance. Here are some of the commonly asked questions about EVs:

Do Electric Cars Need Oil Changes?

Since EVs don’t use oil, electric vehicles do not need oil changes. It’s just one of the many advantages of owning an EV like the BMW iX.

Do Electric Vehicles Have Transmissions?

Most EVs have a single-speed transmission. Meaning, you likely won’t feel gear shifts in the traditional sense that a gas-powered vehicle likely offers. This is because the electric motors in an EV can provide instantaneous torque and power delivery.

As you step on the gas pedal, power is almost instantly provided. Whereas a gas-powered vehicle generates torque at certain RPMs, necessitating the need for a more complicated transmission. 

Do Electric Cars Have Alternators?

So, do electric cars have alternators? Electric cars do not have an alternator. Alternators are used to convert mechanical energy into electricity. With no mechanical power supplied by an engine, EVs don’t have a need for alternators. However, they do have a DC to DC converter that can recharge the 12v battery with power from the high-voltage battery pack.

Do Electric Cars Last Longer Than Gas Cars?

Before taking home an EV to your Urbana garage, you may be wondering, “Do electric cars last longer than gas cars?”, and the answer is likely yes! EVs can typically last as long as a gas-powered car, if not longer.

This is because they’re often simpler and don’t have a typical engine or transmission for you to worry about. Choose an electric BMW, and you’ll get to enjoy an 8-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty (whichever comes first)* for added peace of mind on your commute.

Do Electric Vehicle Batteries Wear Out Fast?

The simple answer is no. EV battery technology has become so advanced that you can expect your EV to last for a very long time. There are many advancements that your electric car battery has in place to allow it to serve you for as long as possible, maybe even longer than a standard car.

Electrify Your Adventures Today!

We look forward to helping you electrify your Bloomington adventures. Whether you’re shopping for a new BMW EV or need help with electric vehicle maintenance, the team at BMW of Bloomington is ready to assist you with all of your EV needs. Have any questions? Contact us today for assistance!

*BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) warrants the high-voltage lithium-ion battery assembly against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 8 years / 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This coverage is in addition to the high-voltage lithium-ion battery’s limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship. Due to its inherent technical design, the high-voltage lithium-ion battery’s capacity will decrease over time and with use. If an authorized BMW center’s capacity check concludes that the net battery capacity is less than 70 percent of its original nominal value when it was new, this level of capacity loss is considered excessive. During the High-Voltage Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity Coverage period, BMW of North America will cover the necessary component repair or replacement to correct this excessive capacity loss when performed by an authorized BMW center.