I know electric cars don’t need multiple gears, but wouldn’t they benefit from them in anyway at high speed for example?

Question

I know electric cars don’t need multiple gears, but wouldn’t they benefit from them in anyway at high speed for example?

In: Technology

Answer 1

There’s a big thing to keep in mind: Transmissions require energy to work.

It’s called a “parasitic loss”, the friction of gears/lubricant/bearings etc. results in around 10-20% of the motor’s energy not making it to the tires because it’s turned to heat by friction.

Single-gear drives are as efficient as possible. Since the motor has the low-end torque to accelerate with ease, and the high-end RPM to handle highway speed and beyond with ease, there’s nothing to be gained.