Do Electric Cars Have Gears?
Key takeaways:
- Electric cars come with one gear and a single-speed transmission.
- Although all EVs are automatic, there are models offering options with manual gear changes alongside their automatic transmission for higher control when needed.
Do electric cars have gears?
Electric cars use single-speed transmission, which means you won’t have to shift gears to reach the speed you need. You can think of the car as having one gear that gives you access to a full range of speeds.
There are a few exceptions of experimental EVs with multiple-speed transmissions that use two gears. But the vast majority of electric cars are manufactured with a single gear setup.
Are all electric cars automatic?
All electric cars come with automatic transmissions. There is no need for a gearbox as the speed of the electric car increases or decreases based on how fast the electric motor is spinning.
A small number of EV models, such as our Subaru Solterra, come with simulated manual gearboxes that replicate the feeling of an internal combustion car. But gearboxes are not a necessary part of EVs.
Do electric vehicles have a reverse gear?
Electric vehicles don’t have a traditional reverse gear, but they do have a reverse switch. This gets the motor to spin the wheels backwards, so you can easily reverse the car.
Why do electric cars have one gear?
Useful definitions:
Torque is the rotational force created by an engine/motor that gets the wheels to spin and the car to move. The higher the torque, the quicker the car can accelerate.
Revolutions per minute (RPM) is a measure of how fast a car engine spins (specifically the crankshaft). An engine running at a high RPM for prolonged periods of time can lead to extra wear and tear.
Peak torque is the maximum rotational force that an engine/motor can produce to achieve a given number of revolutions per minute. Combustion engines need to to build up revs in order to reach peak torque.
Gearboxes transfer the engine power to the wheels and ensure that the RPMs are within a range that produces the necessary torque without putting too much pressure on the engine. They are a key component of combustion cars, helping to maintain an optimal engine speed and efficient power at different RPM ranges, so the engine doesn’t get damaged.
Electric cars are equipped with electric motors that reach the necessary torque almost instantaneously. There is no need for a gearbox or for multiple gears. Our Solterra model has dual electric motors that power the front and rear wheels and instantaneous torque.
Gear setup differences in electric cars versus internal combustion cars
Here is a snapshot of how the technology that gets your car moving differs between traditional and electric vehicles.
Electric cars | Manual internal combustion cars |
Single-speed transmission | Multi-speed transmission |
Usually 1 gear (rarely 2 gears) | Up to 7 gears |
No gearbox | Gearbox |
Peak torque reached almost instantly | Peak torque reached after building up a number of revs per minute |
Reverse “switch” | Reverse gear |
Will the new electric cars be automatic or manual?
Although all electric cars come with an automatic transmission, some drivers prefer the hands-on experience of shifting through gears and finding the right one for the driving conditions they encounter. Some electric cars already offer the option of using a simulated gearbox alongside the automatic transmission for higher control.
Subaru Solterra paddle shifters technology allows manual gear changes while driving electric
Advantages of electric cars being automatic
The technology powering electric cars is impressive, but how does it impact the way drivers feel behind the wheel?
Quieter driving experience
Electric cars can not only accelerate quicker, but also quieter.
Reduced likelihood of repairs
Electric cars come with fewer moving parts which means you won’t have to worry about the usual wear and tear that comes with gearboxes and mechanical engines.
Increased efficiency
Due to the many moving parts involved, shifting gears is less energy efficient than single-speed transmission cars.
Smoother driving experiences
No more jolts that come with changing gears. So, you and your passengers will enjoy a more comfortable journey.
No more gear changing
No gearbox means there will be no gears to change, making driving easier for all.
Instant torque
You don’t need to build revs or change gears, which means your car will accelerate so much quicker than cars with internal combustion engines.