Do Teslas Have Catalytic Converters?

Teslas—and all other electric vehicles—don’t have catalytic converters since there are no harmful emissions to convert.
Written by Andrea Barrett
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Catalytic converters are essential components that control toxic and unwanted emissions from cars. But in an electric vehicle like a Tesla, where there are no emissions, there’s no need for a catalytic converter. 
Internal combustion engines in vehicles produce emissions that are harmful to the environment. To reduce the impact and the release of toxic fumes, cars are equipped with catalytic converters, which transform toxins into water and other less harmful substances. 
But with the development of environmentally friendly electric vehicles (EVs), the need for these devices is vanishing—much like the fumes themselves. While Teslas may have many of the same parts as standard vehicles, there are also many parts they don’t have.
Ever wondered if the Teslas have catalytic converters? Let’s dive in.

Do Tesla vehicles have catalytic converters?

The short answer—no, Tesla vehicles do not have catalytic converters. Since Teslas swap the internal combustion engine for an electric motor and batteries, they don’t release harmful emissions and therefore do not need catalytic converters.
It’s part of the reason why people advocate for electric cars—little to no emissions mean they’re better for the environment.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Find insurance savings

What is a catalytic converter and what does it do?

A catalytic converter, sometimes shortened to "cat," is a component of a car’s exhaust system that converts toxic engine-exhaust pollutants into less harmful compounds. The usual emission suspects—carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides—pass through the catalytic converter and are transformed into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor.
You can find catalytic converters in all shapes and sizes, but most are about the size of a loaf of bread and are located in the exhaust system between the engine and the muffler. This is partly because catalytic converters need heat to operate. 
Most catalytic converters nowadays are called a three-way cat. Two-way catalytic converters are designed to reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions, while three-way converters have the additional advantage of controlling the emissions of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). 
There is more than one type of catalytic converter, though. The kind used in a gas-powered car will depend on the following:
  • The vehicle’s size
  • Powertrain (hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrids differ from regular gas-powered cars)
  • Catalytic converter location
  • The catalysts used
  • CARB-approved (California) or EPA-certified (nationally)
  • The car’s age 
  • The catalyst structure (honeycomb or ceramic bead)
Catalytic converters are a key component of any gas-powered vehicle’s emissions system—but they are also perceived as valuable by thieves. Because catalytic converters filter using specific (and very expensive) precious metals—platinum, rhodium, and palladium—they’re highly valuable. To avoid having your catalytic converter stolen, educate yourself on how to protect yoursor invest in an EV that doesn’t have one!
MORE: How to pass emissions testing

Do electric cars need catalytic converters?

Most people are familiar with catalytic converters and what they do, which may leave you wondering if electric cars have one. The answer is no
Since electric vehicles don’t have an internal combustion engine—and this is the part of the car that releases toxic gases—they don’t need a catalytic converter.
In short, catalytic converters are only found in gasoline-powered cars. They are used to filter toxic fumes generated by the internal combustion engine—like carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide—and convert them to less harmful products. But since EVs don’t produce toxic pollutants, there’s no need for a catalytic converter. 
And if you look at an electric vehicle, you won’t see any of the normal components of an exhaust pipe system for the same reasons.
Instead, electric vehicles’ large batteries, which are a substitute for internal combustion engines, don’t emit fumes. This makes them much safer for people and the environment. 

The bottom line

If you drive a car with a catalytic converter, be aware that theft happens. And unfortunately, catalytic converter theft is more common than we’d like to think. 
But you can rest easy if your only ride is all-electric. There’s no catalytic converter to steal!
Jerry
is an amazing app. Thanks to it, I saved a lot of money for my Tesla Model 3’s insurance. I’m so glad I downloaded the app!” —Erza S.
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Find insurance savings

FAQs

Yes—all gas-powered vehicles with an internal combustion engine have catalytic converters. They are required to convert harmful emissions into less toxic compounds to protect the environment. Catalytic converters are also necessary for vehicles to comply with federal regulations.
The internal combustion engine of a car generates harmful gases and fumes (known as emissions) that are toxic to both humans and the environment, but modern exhaust systems on vehicles feature several parts that help control these emissions and make cars more environmentally friendly. Among these is a catalytic converter.
Essentially, a catalytic converter uses oxidation and reduction (redox) reactions to reduce harmful emissions. Simply put, it splits the harmful molecules in the gases before they are released into the air.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings