Do Electric Cars Have an Exhaust?

No, electric cars do not have exhausts, as they aren't powered by burning fuel, nor do they produce any emissions. The electric motor uses battery power to drive the vehicle, so there are no fuel systems, lines, pumps or tanks either.

 

The only reason an electric car will have a tailpipe or exhaust system is if an aftermarket part has been fitted for aesthetics. There are also audio systems available to help EV drivers mimic the noises an internal combustion engine (ICE) makes while driving.

 

Not having an exhaust does bring a fair few benefits for EV drivers though, as detailed below.

 

Benefits of Not Having an Exhaust

No Threat of Catalytic Converter Theft

Catalytic converter theft has become an increasing concern, particularly for hybrid owners. This is because the catalytic converters in hybrid cars are often less corroded than those on petrol or diesel cars and contain a higher concentration of precious metals which can be stolen and sold.

 

As pure electric vehicles do not have catalytic converters as part of a traditional exhaust system, the threat of catalytic converter theft is completely neutralised.

 

No Exhaust Repairs

Depending on the issue, the cost of an exhaust repair could be over £1,000 to fix, especially if it is related to the catalytic converter. With no exhaust system in place, there is no need to pay for the same costly exhaust repairs traditional ICE cars may require.

 

Clean Air Zone Compliant

Another bonus for electric vehicle owners is the savings that you can make when it comes to Clean Air Zones. Clean Air Zones are designed to improve the quality of the air in some designated UK locations, by charging higher-polluting vehicles to drive through these zones.

 

As electric vehicles produce zero emissions, they are exempt from these charges.

 

No Congestion Charge

Likewise, electric vehicles do not need to pay the London Congestion Charge, as long as the owner has registered them with Transport For London (TFL).

Meanwhile, all ICE drivers must pay the Congestion Charge as they are not zero-emissions vehicles.

 

Do Hybrid Cars Have Exhausts?

Since hybrid vehicles are fitted with internal combustion engine, they do have exhausts.

 

Any time the driver of a hybrid car is using the engine rather than the battery powered motor, the car will be producing emissions, which are expelled through the tailpipe.

 

Are There any Other Differences Between an ICE Vehicle and an Electric Vehicle?

One of the key differences between these types of vehicles is that an electric vehicle has far fewer parts than those that make up a conventional petrol or diesel car. Not to mention that electric vehicles are battery-powered, whilst petrol and diesel vehicles rely on an internal combustion engine, as previously mentioned.

 

It is also worth noting that an electric vehicle will require a different level of expertise when it comes to servicing, something that only specialist mechanics will be able to provide. When choosing between an electric vehicle or a traditional petrol or diesel car, it is a good idea to take all of these factors into account.

 

Why are Electric Vehicles Better for the Environment?

There are several reasons to why EVs are better for the environment than ICE vehicles:

 

• As discussed, they do not produce any tailpipe emissions.

• They cause less noise pollution.

• Charging can come from renewable sources, unlike fuel.

 

Read More

Do Electric Cars Have Gears?

Whilst there are a lot of similarities between electric vehicles and petrol/diesel cars, it may interest you to learn that electric vehicles do not use gears. This isn’t the only part that electric vehicles do not need to use - this article can tell you everything you need to know.

 

How Does an Electric Car Work?

Electric cars are zero-emissions vehicles because they use an electric motor alongside these lithium-ion batteries instead of an internal combustion engine. Read this guide to learn more about how EVs work.

 

What are Clean Air Zones? (And Where are They?)

Clean Air Zones appeared in several UK cities in 2021 and more are planned for 2022. But what are they? And how do you know if you’re affected by the restrictions? Learn more in this guide.