Drivers from Oneida to Canastota have embraced the new generation of electric vehicles at Sun Chevrolet, and Chevy electric cars are more popular than ever before! Still, some drivers have questions about just how an EV works – including the electric car transmission. How do the gears on an electric car operate? Is an electric car transmission the same as a gas-powered model? Let’s pop the hood and take a look at the inner workings of the Chevy EV!
How Many Gears Are on Electric Cars?
An electric car does have a transmission, but it operates in a different way than a gas-powered model. Gas-powered cars often have multiple-gear transmissions, like a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic. But, electric car transmissions are usually single-speed. That’s because electric cars produce torque instantly, so the power output is consistent. there’s no need to rev the engine and adjust power like a gas-powered car.
How does this work on the Utica roads?
- As you step on the accelerator, electricity moves from the battery to the electric motor.
- The motor spins, which spins the gearbox at the same time. Many drivers refer to the “gearbox” as the transmission.
- While the electric motor and gearbox spin, your EV is propelled forward. EV motors can rotate up to 20,000 rpm. Gas-powered cars typically only rotate 7,000 rpm!
- What if you’re driving in reverse? The electric motor spins backward. There’s no separate gear on an electric car like there is for a gas-powered car.
Do You Have To Maintain Electric Car Transmissions?
Electric vehicles have minimal maintenance needs when compared to traditional cars. Though you’ll never need an oil change for your EV, what about transmission care? You’ll still need to get maintenance for your EV transmission. We recommend checking your owner’s manual or asking our service team for advice. Some EV transmissions use transmission fluid, while others don’t.
Learn More about EV Care at Sun Chevrolet!
Want to try out Chevy electric vehicles in person? Or maybe you’re ready for your EV’s first maintenance visit? Contact us in Sun Chevrolet with any questions about your automotive needs, and feel free to schedule your next service with us in Chittenango!