We want to buy your car, even if you don't buy ours - and we'll cut you a check in less than an hour!

How Does an Electric Car Transmission Work?

2024 Chevy Blazer EV parked in a parking lot

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!

 

More from Sun Chevrolet

  • 2024 Chevrolet Equinox Interior Dimensions & Upholstery

    There are plenty of reasons to love the new Chevy Equinox—its reliability and affordability are second-to-none in the Oneida area, which might be why it’s the brand’s second-most popular model after the new Silverado. But the 2024 Equinox is not just performant! The interior of the Chevrolet Equinox is comfortable and spacious too. View InventoryContact…

  • 2024 Chevy Equinox Trim Levels

      In Oneida and Canastota, people can’t get enough of the Chevy Equinox. For years, people have loved its performance and spacious interior. However, when you’re looking at the 2024 Chevy Equinox trims, how do you know which one is right for you? The Chevy Equinox models give you four to pick from, and Sun Chevrolet…

  • 2024 Chevy Equinox MPG

      The 2024 Chevy Equinox is a one-of-a-kind crossover that delivers a versatile drive during your Oneida commute and beyond. Features like over-abundant interior dimensions deliver a massive amount of cargo and passenger space, allowing you to take on family, friends, pets, belongings, and everything in between. Generally, when Canastota drivers purchase a crossover, they…

Sun Chevrolet 43.04262, -75.8689.