Do Electric Cars Have Transmissions?

Luxury automakers are making more and more EVs and hybrids to meet demand for fuel-efficient vehicles that lower the overall costs of ownership while reducing carbon emissions. EVs are growing in popularity, and as costs come down you’ll see more of them on Kansas City roads.

You won’t have to worry about high gas prices, nor will you need as much maintenance with an EV. One question we get all the time is, “Do electric cars have transmission?” Potential owners want to know about an electric car’s transmission because of the high repair costs seen from transmissions with internal combustion engines. So, do electric cars have a transmission? Read on to find out!

Do Electric Cars Have a Transmission to Move Them Forward?

Yes, while there are fewer moving parts in an EV, they still do have a transmission. However, that transmission operates differently and does not have the same high costs or problems associated with transmissions in gasoline-powered vehicles.

How Many Gears Are on Electric Cars?

Although EVs have a transmission, they do not have to go through a series of gears to get enough torque for high speeds. That’s because an electric motor can produce near-instantaneous torque. There’s no need to “rev” the engine to make peak power during your Overland Park drives since there are no gears on electric cars. Just press down on the accelerator and it’s “go” time.

What does this mean for gears on electric cars? It indicates that most electric car transmissions have just one single speed. You’ll have as much power as possible from the moment you press the accelerator. In fact, many EVs have faster 0-60 times than their internal combustion cousins.

Here’s how an electric car transmission and powertrain work:

1. When you step on the accelerator, electricity is sent from the battery pack to the electric motor, which spins like a turbine.
2. As the motor spins, it also spins the gearbox. The gearbox is what most drivers refer to when they’re talking about the electric car’s transmission.
3. As the electric motor and gearbox spin, your EV will begin to move. Some electric motors can rotate up to 20,000 rpm. By contrast, most internal combustion engines on a vehicle only rotate up to 7,000 rpm. That’s how EVs can accelerate faster and generate more torque, if needed.
4. When you put your electric vehicle in reverse, the electric motor essentially spins backward. Contrarily, a standard vehicle has a separate gear in the transmission to move in reverse.

Do You Have To Maintain Electric Car Transmissions?

The short answer is yes. Electric vehicles have a single-speed transmission, but you’ll still need to maintain it depending on your specific model for Leavenworth drives. Some EVs have transmission fluid you’ll need to change out at recommended intervals as laid out in your owner’s manual. Not all electric cars have transmission fluid. You can look at your owner’s manual or contact our service department for more information. 

Experience a Luxury Electric Vehicle for Sale in Merriam!

Ready to get behind the wheel of an EV in Merriam? Contact us or call 913-404-5862 to schedule a test drive with our team. We think you’ll love at least one new vehicle on our lot!