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Torque Shop: Electric cars do not have alternators

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Electric cars use a converter to step down electricity from their high-voltage battery.

PHOTO: ST FILE

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My car's alternator failed for the second time in six years. This appears to be a common problem, going by chats with the mechanic. Also, alternators are fairly costly to replace. Do electric cars have alternators?
The alternator in an internal combustion-engined car functions like a generator which is driven by the car's engine. It supplies power to operate a long list of electrical components, as well as to keep the car's battery charged.
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