Summary
- EV enthusiasts argue about transmissions in electric vehicles
- Benefits of extra gears include torque multiplication at low speeds and efficiency at highway speeds
- Some EVs, like the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, utilize multiple gears for better performance
- Mid-drive e-bikes with gears offer improved climbing ability on steep terrain
- Open-minded approach to EV design could expand the market into lower segments by using smaller motors
Article
Electric vehicle enthusiasts have long debated the benefits of transmissions in EVs, despite the fact that most EV manufacturers use a single gear ratio. The advantages of having extra gears include torque multiplication at low speeds for tasks like towing and hill climbing, as well as increased efficiency and performance at highway speeds. Even Tesla is incorporating different gear ratios in its front and rear drive units, showcasing the real benefits of multiple gears in EVs. This highlights the potential for smaller motors and cost savings on batteries in EV designs that utilize transmissions.
The author’s first experience with an EV that had gears was a Jeep Wrangler 4xe, which used an electric motor to switch gears during acceleration in normal driving. This brought attention to the benefits of utilizing gears in EVs, similar to how gas engines operate. Additionally, the review of a Townie Path Go! e-bike with a mid drive motor, which transmitted power through the bike’s chain, demonstrated the responsiveness and power efficiency of utilizing multiple gears in electric bikes. While the author initially overlooked the importance of gears in e-bikes, the experience led them to further explore the advantages of such systems.
During a test of the Snapcycle R1 e-bike with a hub motor, the author encountered difficulties climbing a steep hill with a rough surface. This drawback highlighted the limitations of hub motors in challenging terrains and prompted the author to research more capable e-bikes for exploration riding. The realization of the importance of torque multiplication in mid drive bikes, particularly when climbing steep hills, emphasized the potential benefits of incorporating transmissions in EVs and e-bikes for improved performance and efficiency.
The author’s research on mid drive bikes and their ability to climb steep terrains with less power led to a “Duh!” moment where they realized the significance of torque multiplication in electric vehicles. This realization emphasized the potential for utilizing transmissions in EVs to enhance their capabilities, especially in off-road situations and challenging terrain. By embracing a more open-minded approach to EV design beyond the traditional single gear ratio model, manufacturers can explore cost-effective solutions that expand the EV market into lower segments.
In conclusion, the article highlights the benefits of using transmissions in electric vehicles and bikes to improve performance, efficiency, and power delivery. The author’s experiences with different EVs and e-bikes showcase the advantages of utilizing multiple gears for tasks like hill climbing and towing, as well as enhancing responsiveness and power efficiency. By incorporating transmissions in EV designs, manufacturers can tap into cost savings on batteries and explore new opportunities to expand the EV market. This shift towards more innovative and open-minded approaches to EV design can drive the cleantech revolution forward and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles worldwide.
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