Do Electric Cars Have Transmissions?

For many Oceanside drivers who have made the switch from gas to electric, the lower upkeep cost of electric vehicles is a major benefit. Unlike hybrids, EVs don’t have an engine, so you’ll never need to worry about oil changes. But do electric cars have transmissions? Yes—electric cars do have transmissions, but not the same kind as gas-powered vehicles. Many drivers are still unfamiliar with the innovative technology of EVs, so we’ll take a few minutes in this guide to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about electric car transmissions. 

How Many Gears Are on Electric Cars?

Although electric cars do have transmissions, they’re not what you’re used to on gas-powered vehicles. Electric motors produce near-instantaneous torque, so you won’t need to “rev the engine”—as you would with an internal combustion engine—in order to reach peak performance while driving in Poway. Because of this, there’s no need for multiple gears on electric cars, and most electric car transmissions have just a single speed.

So, what does all this mean out on the road? With near-instantaneous torque production and a single speed, an EV can use all of its power in the instant you step on the accelerator. Here’s what happens in an electric vehicle powertrain:

1. Step on the accelerator, and electricity is instantly sent from the battery to the electric motor.
2. As the electric motor spins, it also spins the gearbox. The gearbox is what most drivers refer to as an electric car’s transmission.
3. With the electric motor and gearbox both spinning, your EV will move forward. This will happen more quickly in EVs than in gas-powered vehicles: some electric motors can rotate up to 20,000 rpm, but most internal combustion engines don’t exceed 7,000 rpm.
4. EVs can switch to reverse more quickly, as well. That’s because combustion engines require a separate gear in the transmission to do so, but an EV motor simply has to spin in reverse.

Electric Car Transmission Maintenance

An electric car transmission is a lot easier to maintain than a combustion engine’s transmission. You’ll be able to skip oil changes and plenty of other routine maintenance items! That said, the gears on electric cars require some maintenance to ensure perfect performance. 

Do electric cars have transmissions that have transmission fluid? Some use it and some don’t—it depends on your make and model.

Explore Chevy Electric Vehicles with Quality Chevrolet

Questions about how to maintain an electric car transmission or whether your EV uses transmission fluid? We can tell you everything you need to know about bringing a new EV home to Carlsbad—from home charging system installation to charging times. Give us a call at %%di_phone_number%% or visit our service center here in Escondido today!