Do Electric Cars Have Transmissions?

Last Updated on January 3, 2023

There’s always something new to learn in the world of automobiles, and electric vehicles (EVs) are particularly interesting for their unique designs and electronics. One common question asked is, do electric cars have transmissions?

Yes, electric cars typically have transmissions, but not in the traditional sense. Unlike conventional vehicles, such as traditional gas cars and diesel engine vehicles, EVs utilize a one-speed transmission to transfer the energy generated from the battery to the wheels.

In fact, the single-speed transmission of an electric car acts as the regulating factor for their electric motor.

Unlike traditional vehicles with a traditional transmission system, this simpler drive train allows EVs to precisely regulate and optimize power from its motor. This results in less wear compared to the multiple moving parts of an ICE vehicle’s transmission.

And when it comes to electric cars, the transmission plays a major role in delivering smooth acceleration. Making an EV a perfect option for those with long commutes.

A single-speed transmission offers superior optimizing power with every turn of the wheels.

This means that every corner you take and every acceleration you activate is effortless and only requires the minimal amount of effort to get the most out of your car.

EVs, including full EVs and plugin hybrids, provide instant torque from a dead stop. This ensures the right amount of power for a wide range of speeds.

Truth be told, that’s what makes electric cars really stand out. Their power can quickly adjust depending on whatever terrain you are on.

Nearly everything about an EV is a rethinking of the traditional automobile model, and the transmission is certainly not an exception. The main difference lies in the fuel source – EVs use electricity instead of fossil fuels like a gasoline-powered cars or a diesel engine vehicle.

Let’s dive into the details and uncover everything you need to know about electric vehicle transmissions.

What’s Different about an EV Transmission?

When getting into an electric car for the first time, you might be surprised to discover that there’s no gear stick next to the driver’s seat as you’d expect in a gas-powered car.

That’s largely because the electric motors of an EV can produce consistent torque suitable for a wide range of RPMs. Thus, there’s no need for a conventional multi-speed transmission as in ICE cars or hybrid vehicles.

By contrast, however, ICE cars need multiple gear ratios. This means a more complex gearbox is required to facilitate the right torque ratio for different RPMs. In traditional gas cars, higher gears are used at highway speeds, whereas lower gears are more efficient at low speeds.

In general, ICE cars perform best at low gear and low RPM, typically between 3000 and 6000 RPM. Electric cars, however, can operate efficiently over a larger bandwidth, often up to 15,000 RPM or more.

This is good thing for EV performance, especially in models like performance cars and Rivian electric pickup trucks.

Due to the different motor design, EV transmissions are almost always single-speed, contributing to the driving experience being so pleasant and calming.

Why Is an Electric Car Transmission So Different?

By and large, the difference in transmission designs between EVs and ICE vehicles is down to the motor. ICE vehicles, such as gasoline cars, provide rotational force through explosive force, moving the pistons, rotating the crankshaft, and then connecting to the transmission.

In contrast, thanks to the wide bandwidth of RPM at which an EV can operate, they only need a single gear to transfer power to the drive wheels from the motor over the speed range.

This single-speed transmission provides a smooth acceleration from a dead stop to higher speeds. A feature particularly noticeable in EVs with hub motors or those equipped with a rear drive unit.

In addition, electric car manufacturers generally choose a single-speed transmission because a bigger, more complex one will add weight, cost, and difficulty of maintenance.

Do Any Electric Cars Have Multiple Speed Transmissions?

Some electric vehicles, like the Porsche Taycan, have begun to use multi-speed transmissions, similar to CVT systems found in conventional vehicles. Porsche claims its two-speed transmission improves the EV’s range by 5 percent!

Do EVs Need Transmission Fluid Service?

Yes, transmission fluid changes are a required part of maintaining an electric car.

In fact, transmission fluid is incredibly important for your EV. By servicing the fluid, it ensures that the gears of your transmission move efficiently and are well preserved.

Additionally, many EVs feature a regenerative braking system, which recovers kinetic energy back into the battery, adding to the efficiency of the EV. This system often works in the opposite direction to the gas pedal, further reducing wear on the transmission.

Final Thoughts: Do Electric Cars Have Transmissions

So do electric cars have transmissions? The short answer is yes, but the transmission design is generally a lot simpler.

An EV motor has a much wider bandwidth of RPM and can achieve peak torque readily. Thus, allowing them to operate safely up to 20,000 RPM, only necessitating a small single-speed transmission. This is a stark contrast to the wheel speed variations managed by the multi-speed transmissions in a gas engine vehicle.

Own an Electric car? If so, what is your experience like with the single-speed transmission? Tell us in the comments below.