The “gearbox” in electric cars – one gear is enough
Electric mobility is increasingly taking over our everyday lives. More and more cars are driving quietly and emission-free on our roads. But what about the transmission? Does an electric car need a transmission at all? The answer is simple: one gear is enough.

Unlike internal combustion engines, which require multiple gears to achieve optimal torque, electric motors rely on technology to deliver impressive acceleration performance. Here, maximum torque is achieved from the start and maintained over the entire speed range. This eliminates the need for gear selection.
But how does it all work?? Why is it possible to do without a gearbox in an electric car?? In this article, we present the technology behind the single-speed transmission and show what the future of electromobility could look like through intelligent concepts and consistent R&D work.
Learn more about the fascinating world of this sustainable mobility option and how to prepare for the future. Get ready for an incredible adventure in the world of electric cars, where one gear is enough.
Transmission in electric cars
The transmission is one of the key components in a car, responsible for transferring the power from the engine to the wheels. When it comes to electric cars, however, the concept of the transmission is somewhat different from that of conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines.
Unlike vehicles with internal combustion engines, electric cars generally have only one gear in the transmission. This is because electric motors have more torque and can deliver full power at low speeds. In addition, the electric motor is very efficient and therefore does not require a complicated transmission system to transfer its power to the wheels.
Most electric cars use a single-speed gearbox, often called “direct drive” is called. In this transmission, the electric motor is directly connected to the drive shaft that drives the wheels. This type of transmission is very simple and low-maintenance, yet offers high efficiency.
However, other electric cars also use multi-stage transmission systems, which can provide more efficient transmission of engine power at higher speeds, for example. Hybrid vehicles also often use multi-stage transmission systems to increase efficiency.
Overall, the transmission is an important component in electric cars, but it is often very simple and straightforward compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. However, by using modern electric motors and optimized transmission systems, electric cars can be very efficient and powerful.
The “gearbox” in electric cars – one gear is enough
The difference with the gearbox in internal combustion engines is that electric motors have much higher torque and can therefore do without a gearbox. In electric cars, therefore, a conventional transmission is often not used, but instead a special type of reduction gearbox – the so-called “reduction gearbox.
This reduction gear reduces the speed of the engine to achieve high torque at low speed. This allows the electric car to accelerate quickly from a standstill. However, there are also electric cars that use an additional gearbox to enable a higher top speed.
Compared to conventional transmissions, the reduction gearbox is much simpler in design and is composed of fewer components. As a result, it is not only lighter, but also less prone to wear and requires less maintenance.
The lack of a conventional transmission, along with the electric powertrain, thus contributes significantly to the simplicity of electric car design, making them more attractive to maintain and service.
A consideration of how the transmission in electric cars works
Most cars on the market have a multi-stage transmission to increase the width of the usable torque range. In contrast, electric cars usually have only one gear. Why is that?
The answer lies in the way the electric motor works. Unlike the internal combustion engine, the electric motor reaches its maximum torque at zero revolutions per minute. This means that the transmission is not needed to increase torque, but to affect the car’s top speed.
Since most electric cars are designed for city driving, a single gear is sufficient for most applications. The vehicle can accelerate instantly from zero to its maximum speed and thus respond very quickly to speed limits.

The lack of need for a multi-stage transmission also means electric cars are easier and more cost-effective to produce. While the gearbox for an internal combustion vehicle is between 800 and 1.Containing 200 individual parts, the transmission for an electric car consists of less than 20.
In summary, one gear is sufficient for electric cars because the electric motor already delivers high torque at zero rpm, allowing the car to accelerate quickly. Eliminating the need for a multi-stage transmission also makes production simpler and less expensive.
Advantages of the simple transmission in electric cars
The transmission in electric cars has a different function than in conventional cars with internal combustion engines. Usually, one gear is enough to reach the optimal driving speed. A simple gearbox therefore has several advantages.
- A simple transmission requires less space and weight.
- It is less expensive and easier to manufacture.
- There are fewer moving parts, making maintenance and repairs easier.
- The simple transmission eliminates the need to shift gears, resulting in a more enjoyable driving experience.
Electric cars are lighter and more efficient than traditional cars anyway due to the way they are built and powered. By using a simple transmission, we can further improve these advantages.
One challenge, however, is that a simple transmission is not optimal in all cases. In some cases, a more complicated transmission is needed to make the most of the motor’s power and energy consumption. Therefore, it is important to always make a careful trade-off between simplicity and efficiency when designing electric cars.
The simple transmission in electric cars is an innovative solution
Electric cars have many advantages over conventional vehicles. They are quiet, emission-free and offer a unique driving experience. But one of the most innovative features of electric cars is the simple transmission.
Unlike traditional internal combustion engines, electric cars require only a simple transmission because electric motors have high torque and can operate over a wide speed range. The simple transmission also means less maintenance and repair, making it a cost-effective solution.
The simple transmission in electric cars also makes for a smoother driving experience. Most electric cars have only one forward gear and one reverse gear. It makes driving more intuitive and easier. There is no jerking or shifting, which makes driving more stress-free and enjoyable.
All in all, the simple transmission in electric cars is an amazing solution that makes the advantages of electric cars even more attractive. Thanks to the simple transmission, driving an electric car is easier than ever before.