Do Electric Cars Have Transmissions?

As electric vehicles continue to appear around Princeton and Mercer County, many drivers continue to ask questions. In fact some of the more common questions we receive relate to an electric car transmission and the gears on electric cars.

At Mercedes-Benz of Princeton, we know that not filling up at the pump in Lawrenceville often is a great highlight of EVs. To answer the main topic, yes, EVs do have a transmission, despite fewer moving parts in general. As these transmissions differ substantially, it’s best we go over them in greater detail.

How Many Gears Are on Electric Cars?

When looking at an electric car transmission, an important element is the difference. Electric motors will produce near-instantaneous torque, unlike a standard internal combustion engine. As a result, you won’t have to “rev” the engine to make it generate power while driving around Mercer County.

What does that entail for gears on electric cars then? It means that most EVs will have a single-speed transmission. This also means that EV drivers will use up all their power in their vehicle once they hit the accelerator. Here’s how an electric vehicle powertrain functions:

• When you hit the accelerator, electricity is sent from the battery to the electric motor.
• As the motor spins, it will also spin your gearbox. The gearbox is often what’s known as an electric car transmission.
• Once the electric motor and gearbox are spinning, your electric vehicle will start to move. Some electric motors are able to rotate up to 20,000 RPM. In contrast, most standard internal combustion engines in standard cars will only rotate up to 7,000 RPM.
• When you place an electric vehicle into reverse, the electric motor will essentially spin backward. This is in contrast to standard gas-powered vehicles where there’s a separate gear in the transmission so that you’ll be able to move in reverse.

Do You Have To Maintain Electric Car Transmissions?

A lot of EV owners in Princeton enjoy owning an electric car thanks to the low maintenance. No internal combustion means no engine oil to worry about, meaning no oil changes. As electric vehicles do have transmissions, you’ll still need to perform regular maintenance and service on them.

While most EVs have a single-speed transmission, maintenance is essential depending on the model you’ve selected. Some electric cars do have transmission fluid that’ll need to be exchanged at recommended intervals. Not every electric vehicle has transmission fluid, so review your EV owner’s manual beforehand. You can also reach out to our service technicians with any EV maintenance questions.

Experience an Electric Vehicle Today at Mercedes-Benz of Princeton!

Beyond gears on electric cars and EV transmissions, Mercedes-Benz of Princeton is here to offer you everything related to electric vehicles. If you have any questions about EV charging levels or what happens if your electric car runs out of power, we have some posts for you. Experience every Mercedes-Benz has to offer with Mercedes-Benz of Princeton. See you shortly!