Do New Energy Vehicles Have Transmissions?
2 Answers
For pure electric new energy vehicles, a transmission is not necessarily required, but a reduction gearbox is essential. Below is relevant information: 1. Classification of new energy vehicles: includes battery electric vehicles, range-extended electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, hydrogen engine vehicles, etc. Currently, plug-in hybrids have transmissions, while pure electric vehicles do not. 2. Electric drive system: Essentially a power system assembled from a power electronics box and a gear reduction mechanism. A single-speed reducer has a simple structure and is easy to implement, while a multi-speed transmission has a more complex structure and higher difficulty.
From my personal experience, whether new energy vehicles are equipped with a transmission indeed varies by model. Pure electric models, such as Tesla or BYD's pure electric series, do not have a traditional multi-gear transmission but instead use a single-speed reducer to fulfill the function. This design allows the electric motor to directly drive the wheels, resulting in an exceptionally smooth driving experience with no jerking during acceleration, making it ideal for city commuting or short trips. Additionally, this simplified structure reduces maintenance needs—you don't have to worry about changing transmission fluid or gear failures, just regular motor checks. However, hybrid models, like Toyota's hybrid versions or Ford's plug-in hybrids, often come with a transmission, typically an e-CVT type, which combines electric and fuel systems to automatically switch modes for optimal fuel efficiency. This makes them perform better on long-distance drives. Understanding this can help you balance driving comfort and maintenance costs when choosing a car.
