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8 Electric Car Service Questions

2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV

 

At Heiser Chevrolet of West Allis, we’re proud to offer top-notch service for Milwaukee drivers’ electric vehicles (EVs). As one of the top EV servicers in the Wauwatosa 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 8 of those common questions, as well as our answers, to help you learn more about electric car service.

 


1. Do Electric Cars Need Oil?

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.

2. Do Electric Cars Have Horsepower?

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.

3. Do Electric Cars Have a Transmission?

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.

4. Do Electric Cars Have Alternators?

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

5. Do Electric Cars Have Catalytic Converters?

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.

6. Do Electric Cars Have Exhaust Systems?

No, there are no exhaust pipes in electric cars. EVs don’t produce any exhaust gases. No gasoline is burned to power an EV, so there’s no need for an exhaust system.

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

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.

8. Do Electric Cars Last Longer Than Gas Cars?

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.

Learn More About Electric Car Services at Heiser Chevrolet of West Allis

Do you have additional questions about electric car service? Or, do you need to schedule service for your Chevrolet electric vehicle? Heiser Chevrolet of West Allis has you covered! While you’re here, be sure to browse our service specials and parts specials before you schedule your appointment at our West Allis dealership.

Explore Service Specials at Heiser Chevrolet of West Allis!

Summer Travel Special

$249.99

Lube, Oil and Filter, Tire Rotation, Brake Inspection, Replacing Front Windshield Wiper Blade, and Multi-Point Inspection, 4 Wheel Alignment, Battery Test

Code: SUMMER TRAVEL

Includes parts and labor. Valid at Heiser Automotive Group Service Centers. No cash value. Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any additional offers. Not valid on commercial or fleet accounts. Excludes Corvettes & Diesels up to 6 quarts. See Heiser service team for complete details. Good through 8/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Oil Change Happy Hour - Car

$59.95

Receive an oil change, up to 6 quarts, for cars!

CODE: HAPPYHOUR$69.95C

Includes oil, filter, and labor. Valid at Heiser Automotive Group Service Centers between 1:00pm and 4:00pm, weekdays only. No cash value. Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any additional offers. Not valid on commercial or fleet accounts. Excludes Corvettes. See Heiser service team for complete details.
Good through 8/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Oil Change Happy Hour - SUV

$69.95

Receive an oil change, up to 6 quarts, for SUV’s!

CODE: HAPPYHOUR$69.95S

Includes oil, filter, and labor. Valid at Heiser Automotive Group Service Centers between 1:00pm and 4:00pm, weekdays only. No cash value. Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any additional offers. Not valid on commercial or fleet accounts. See Heiser service team for complete details.
Good through 8/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Oil Change Happy Hour - Diesel/Trucks

$139.99

Receive an oil change, up to 8 quarts, for diesel/trucks!

CODE: HAPPYHOUR$139D/T

Includes oil, filter, and labor. Valid at Heiser Automotive Group Service Centers between 1:00pm and 4:00pm, weekdays only. No cash value. Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any additional offers. Not valid on commercial or fleet accounts. See Heiser service team for complete details.
Good through 8/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Flush Services

Up To 15% OFF!

CODE: 15%OFF FLUSH SERVICE

Offer includes Coolant and Transmission Flush. Valid at Heiser Automotive Group Service Centers. No cash value. Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any additional offers. Not valid on commercial or fleet accounts. See Heiser service team for complete details.
Good through 8/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Fuel Induction System Cleaning

Up To 15% OFF!

Code: FUEL FLUSH15%OFF

Offer includes fuel induction system cleaning. Valid at Heiser Automotive Group Service Centers. No cash value. Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any additional offers. Not valid on commercial or fleet accounts. See Heiser service team for complete details.
Good through 8/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Air Filters

50% OFF!

W/ purchase of cabin filter

Code: Buy1CAF/50%offAF

Offer on installed Cabin Filter. Valid at Heiser Automotive Group Service Centers. No cash value. Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any additional offers. Not valid on commercial or fleet accounts. See Heiser service team for complete details.
Good through 8/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Brake Special

$100 OFF!

Front or Rear – Brakes and Rotors

Code: $100OFF BRAKES

Includes front brakes and rotors OR rear brakes and rotors, both parts and labor. Valid at Heiser Automotive Group Service Centers. No cash value. Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any additional offers. Not valid on commercial or fleet accounts. Excludes 1-Tons (3500s). See Heiser service team for complete details. Good through 8/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

Tire Rotation

Get Free Rotations For The Life Of Your Tires

ASK US HOW!

Must purchase four tires. Valid only at Heiser Automotive Group Service Center of purchase. No cash value. Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any additional offers. Not valid on commercial or fleet accounts. See Heiser service team for complete details.
Good through 8/31/26.

Expires: 08/31/2026

BRAKE PADS FOR LIFE

Now that’s protection!

Coupon Code: BR89RRW

CALL US

Get a brake job from Heiser, and get brake pads for the life of your vehicle .

*With the purchase of a full brake job. Some vehicle models may not apply. Does not include labor, rotors, calipers or other braking hardware. Coupon must be presented at time of write-up. One coupon per customer, per visit. Not valid with any other offer, promotion or special. Not to be used to reduce outstanding debt. No cash value. Not retroactive. See dealership for details. Void where prohibited by law. Must print off this coupon and present it to your service advisor at your appointment to redeem the savings. OP CODE: BR89RRW

WE DELIVER PARTS TO YOU!

FUEL EFFICIENCY GOLD PACKAGE

$109.95

ACDelco Fuel System Treatment Plus – Gasoline, Cabin Air Filter Replacement, Engine Air Filter Replacement, Complimentary Multipoint Inspection

*Price includes filter installation. Diesel vehicles extra. See advisor for additional details.

FUEL EFFICIENCY SILVER PACKAGE

$89.95

Cabin Air Filter Replacement, Engine Air Filter Replacement, Complimentary Multipoint Inspection

*Price includes filter installation. Diesel vehicles extra. See advisor for additional details.

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10200 West Arthur Avenue, West Allis, WI, 53227
Heiser Chevrolet of West Allis 42.99933, -88.04247.