Do Electric Cars Have Transmissions?

Electric vehicles have grown in popularity around Ames. They’ll reduce your refueling costs because electricity costs less than gasoline. Your maintenance expenses will also be lower because there are fewer moving parts and you can recharge your EV at home in your garage!

If you want to understand how EVs move forward without pistons and a complicated transmission, you’ve come to the right place. In the following guide, DeYarman Automotive Group explores what an electric car transmission is capable of. We’ll also discuss gears on electric gears and how they work in the latest models. Learn more below and explore our new vehicle specials to save on your next option!

How do Electric Car Transmissions Differ?

Yes, electric cars do have transmissions. But an electric car transmission doesn’t have as many moving parts as a gasoline-powered model. Like any transmission, it allows your vehicle to move forward or backward when it transmits power from the motor to the wheels. An electric car transmission is generally more efficient than one in a gasoline-powered vehicle. It transfers power very quickly on roads around Indianola. 

How Do Gears on Electric Cars Work?

You won’t get any revving with an electric motor because the gears on electric cars produce near-instantaneous torque, unlike any internal combustion engine. Most EVs have a single-speed transmission. It works in two speeds: forward and reverse. 

Here’s how the electric motor and gears on electric cars work:

1. When you step on the accelerator, electricity is sent from the battery to the electric motor.
2. When the motor spins, so does the gearbox. The gearbox is what comprises an electric car transmission.
3. Your EV moves as soon as the motor and gearbox spin. Some electric motors can rotate up to 20,000 rpm! Most gasoline-powered vehicles redline at 7,000 rpm. That’s why an electric car transmission can generate so much power. 
4. The electric motor spins backward when you put an EV in reverse. So, there is no separate gear for reversing like in a gasoline-powered car, truck, or SUV.

Do Electric Cars Have Transmissions That Need Maintenance?

Yes, some transmissions on electric vehicles may need maintenance. Some EVs have transmission fluid that has to be changed at some point. However, your overall maintenance on an electric car is less than that of a gasoline-powered engine. If you have questions about EV maintenance, our service team near Des Moines will be happy to help answer your questions. 

Test-Drive an Electric Vehicle with DeYarman Automotive Group!

Now that you know that electric cars have transmissions, are you ready to experience a more environmentally friendly way of driving? Contact us or call to schedule a test drive in an electric vehicle with our team. If you’re unsure which EV is best suited for your evolving needs around Ames, use our vehicle finder service to explore every option. You can also reduce what you owe by trading in your current model at one of our locations. Experience the world of all-electric driving near Indianola with DeYarman Automotive Group!