can you drive a car without a transmission

[LaRicardo]

Yes, you can drive a car without a transmission, but this is only true for electric vehicles (EVs). Internal combustion engine (ICE) cars require a multi-speed transmission to transfer power from the engine to the wheels efficiently, but EVs typically use a single-speed reduction gear that handles speed variation without gear shifts. This gear setup leverages the electric motor's ability to produce high torque across a wide RPM range, making transmissions unnecessary for most driving scenarios. However, ICE cars cannot function without a transmission, as the engine would stall or over-rev.

The key difference lies in powertrain design. EVs have electric motors that deliver instant torque from zero RPM, allowing smooth acceleration without the need for gear changes. This simplifies the drivetrain, reduces maintenance, and enhances reliability. In contrast, ICE engines have a narrow power band and depend on transmissions to match engine speed to wheel speed for optimal performance. Some high-performance EVs, like the Porsche Taycan, use a two-speed transmission to improve top-speed efficiency, but mainstream EVs like Teslas operate with a single gear.

For car buyers, understanding this distinction is crucial. EVs offer a transmission-free experience that translates to quieter, smoother rides and lower long-term costs. ICE vehicles, while familiar, require more complex mechanical systems. Here's a comparison of various vehicles to illustrate transmission types:

Vehicle Model	Powertrain Type	Transmission Type	Key Feature
Tesla Model Y	Electric	Single-speed reduction gear	No gear shifts, direct drive
Ford Mustang Mach-E	Electric	Single-speed	Instant acceleration
Chevrolet Silverado ICE	Internal Combustion	10-speed automatic	Multiple gears for towing
Toyota Corolla	ICE	CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)	Smooth but complex system
Rivian R1T	Electric	Single-speed	Simplified off-road capability
Porsche Taycan	Electric	2-speed automatic	Enhanced high-speed performance
Honda Accord	ICE	6-speed manual	Driver-controlled gear changes
Nissan Ariya	Electric	Single-speed	Reliable urban commuting
BMW i4	Electric	Single-speed	Sporty yet simple design
Jeep Wrangler 4xe	Hybrid	8-speed automatic	Blends electric and ICE power

This table shows how transmission needs vary. When choosing a car, consider that EVs without transmissions provide a futuristic driving experience, while ICE cars offer traditional control. Always test drive both to feel the difference.

[McMarley]

I drive an electric car, and it’s awesome not having a transmission. You just press the pedal and go—no shifting, no lag. It’s like using a smartphone compared to an old flip phone; everything is smoother and simpler. My EV has this single-speed thing that makes city driving a breeze. Honestly, once you go electric, you won’t miss gears at all. It’s one less thing to worry about breaking down.

[LaJuliana]

As someone who’s tinkered with cars for decades, I can tell you that most cars need a transmission to work properly. Gas engines rely on gears to keep the engine happy at different speeds. But these new electric cars? They’re a different beast. The motor spins fast enough that a simple reducer does the job. It’s clever engineering, though I still appreciate the hands-on feel of a manual gearbox. For daily driving, though, electric simplicity is hard to beat.