Do Electric Cars Have Transmissions?

When considering a new electric vehicle, it’s not uncommon to have some questions. “Do electric cars have transmissions?” is one of the most frequently asked. And the answer is yes, they do have transmissions, but in an EV, the system is much different than what you’d find in a standard vehicle. Discover more about transmissions and gears on electric cars with this guide from Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City South.

Transmissions & Gears on Electric Cars

An electric motor can generate near-instant torque, but a standard internal combustion engine cannot. With an EV, you get peak power in the blink of an eye, without having to rev the engine.

As far as the gears on electric cars, the majority of EVs have single-speed transmissions, while standard vehicles have 6-, 7-, 8-, or 10-speed transmissions. What this means is that when you’re driving your EV in the Leawood, KS and Overland Park, KS area, the transmission uses all the power available as soon as you hit the accelerator pedal. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what happens:

1. As you push the accelerator, electricity moves from the battery to the motor.
2. The motor starts to spin, which, in turn, spins the gearbox. It is actually the gearbox that most EV drivers are referring to when they refer to the transmission.
3. The spinning of the electric motor and gearbox moves your EV. Some electric motors can rotate as much as 20,000 rpm. For comparison, most internal combustion engines only rotate up to 7,000 rpm.
4. Going in reverse makes the motor spin backward. In a standard vehicle, the transmission has a separate gear to put you in reverse.

Do Electric Cars Have Transmissions That Need to Be Maintained?

Yes, an electric car transmission needs to be maintained, but its upkeep requirements are far fewer than those of a standard transmission. Since EVs don’t have internal combustion engines, there is no oil to check and change, but some electric vehicles use transmission fluid that needs to be monitored and changed as part of your routine maintenance. Our service department is here to help you understand the maintenance needs of your EV, so feel free to contact us with questions or concerns, or, if you’re in the Stilwell, KS area, stop on in.

Find Your Next Electric Vehicle Today at Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City South

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do electric cars have transmissions?”, you now know that EV transmissions work much differently than those found in gasoline-powered vehicles. Drivers in Kansas City can experience the powerful transmission, smooth drivability, and reliable performance of a Mercedes-Benz EV for themselves. Browse our inventory, request a trade-in value, or schedule a test drive today.