Are all EVs automatic?
Friday 8th November 2024
According to Zapmap, there are 1.3 million electric vehicles in the UK. As the electric car population increases, you may wonder what the differences are between a conventional car and an EV.
Petrol or diesel cars may have a manual gearbox with 5 or 6 gears or an automatic gearbox with up to 10 gears but EVs have a fixed ratio gearbox which may also be referred to as a single-speed transmission.
Throughout this article, we answer whether all EVs are automatic.
Why don’t automatic EVs have a clutch?
Automatic EVs do not have a clutch since they don’t require manual gear changes. While it may feel strange not shifting gears, you can focus on the road without changing from one gear to another.
What are the benefits of driving an automatic EV?
Driving an automatic EV offers many benefits. They are simpler to operate compared to traditional manual cars, they require less maintenance overtime and produce zero carbon emissions which contributes to cleaner air.
They are also more efficient as there is no risk of driving in the wrong gear and braking is smoother, which leads to improved efficiency.
Why do electric cars have one gear?
EVs typically have a single-speed gearbox and one gear for forward motion. EVs have one or two electric motors that produce consistent power controlled by the accelerator, so no need to build up power, known as torque, through revving and gear changes.
As the motor in an EV spins too fast to drive the wheels directly the power is sent via a 'reduction gear' which controls the amount of power supplied to the wheels. The accelerator pedal will determine how fast the vehicle will go. Therefore, your EV can hit high speeds with a single gear without compromising efficiency and performance.
Is there a reverse gear in EVs?
No, EVs don’t have a reverse gear like a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle, but a reverse switch. When you activate the switch, the electric motor moves backwards, meaning you can reverse your EV to park in a car park bay or a garage.
Can I drive an EV with a manual driving licence?
You can drive an electric vehicle with a manual or automatic driving licence. However, if you pass your driving test in an automatic, you can only drive cars with an automatic gearbox.
Repair your EV with Formula One Autocentres
Are you planning to upgrade to an EV? Do you have concerns about your EV’s safety and reliability? We have compiled the most frequently asked electric vehicle safety questions into one helpful article.
Are all EVs automatic? Yes, they are. Earlier EV models were made to resemble petrol and diesel vehicles with a gearbox and gearstick, but all new EV models are fully automatic.
Does your electric vehicle need repairing? Formula One Autocentres’ experienced and friendly technicians can repair any damage to your EV via our car repair service. Locate your nearest branch and get your electric car repaired today.
