Do Electric Cars Have Transmissions?
Electric cars don’t use traditional gas-powered engines, but do electric cars have transmissions? The answer is yes. Electric car transmissions and electric motors work together to power your travels in South Salt Lake. However, the gears on an electric car might look a little different than you’d imagine. Let’s dive into the basics of the electric car transmission, and try out a brand-new EV at Salt Lake Valley Buick GMC today!
How Do Gears on Electric Cars Work?
Electric car transmissions work differently than gas-powered car transmissions, and that’s largely due to the amount of torque produced. While a gas-powered car needs to rev the engine to produce peak power, an electric car can produce near-instantaneous torque with just the push of a pedal. That means that most EVs use a single-speed transmission since they don’t need a variety of gears. Here's how an electric vehicle powertrain works:
Do You Have To Maintain Electric Car Transmissions?
EV owners can skip oil changes, but what about electric car transmission maintenance? That depends on your model. Some models use transmission fluid that must be replaced periodically, but others don’t use transmission fluid at all. Take a look at your owner’s manual or talk with our service technicians to see what you need!
Test Drive an Electric Vehicle Today at Salt Lake Valley Buick GMC!
So, do electric cars have transmissions? Yes, and the team at Salt Lake Valley Buick GMC would love to demonstrate how they work in person! Contact us with any questions in the meantime, or just stop by to try out a brand new electric car like the 2024 GMC Hummer EV pickup, the 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, or the GMC Sierra EV Denali.
How Do Gears on Electric Cars Work?
Electric car transmissions work differently than gas-powered car transmissions, and that’s largely due to the amount of torque produced. While a gas-powered car needs to rev the engine to produce peak power, an electric car can produce near-instantaneous torque with just the push of a pedal. That means that most EVs use a single-speed transmission since they don’t need a variety of gears. Here's how an electric vehicle powertrain works:
- As you step on the accelerator, electricity moves from the battery to the electric motor.
- The motor spins, turning the gearbox - or transmission - in the process.
- As both components spin, your EV is set into motion. Electric motors can rotate up to 20,000 rpm, while most internal combustion engines can only rotate up to 7,000 rpm!
- If you need to reverse, the electric motor just spins backward. There is no separate gear on electric cars.
Do You Have To Maintain Electric Car Transmissions?
EV owners can skip oil changes, but what about electric car transmission maintenance? That depends on your model. Some models use transmission fluid that must be replaced periodically, but others don’t use transmission fluid at all. Take a look at your owner’s manual or talk with our service technicians to see what you need!
Test Drive an Electric Vehicle Today at Salt Lake Valley Buick GMC!
So, do electric cars have transmissions? Yes, and the team at Salt Lake Valley Buick GMC would love to demonstrate how they work in person! Contact us with any questions in the meantime, or just stop by to try out a brand new electric car like the 2024 GMC Hummer EV pickup, the 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, or the GMC Sierra EV Denali.
