4 ms·

Given that a standard ICE vehicle clutch will usually make over 150k miles before needing replacement, I can't see any reason to think that this will be 'ineleg

Given that a standard ICE vehicle clutch will usually make over 150k miles before needing replacement, I can't see any reason to think that this will be 'inelegant' - it would appear to boost performance nearly everywhere, and they will not be 'constantly wearing down as [you] drive' - they'll be electronically controlled as part of the transmission and optimally maintained as a result. While I agree the simplicity of a single speed no-clutch electric drivetrain is appealing, I don't think that should preclude using different systems if this means optimum performance overall.

close04 7y ago
Wear should never be an issue considering how (relatively) rarely the car would need to shift. It will be used at higher speeds so it won't shift that often. Chances you swing between high and low speed (over/under 100+Km/h probably) that often are small. There are efficiency and performance advantages to having a multi speed gearbox for an EV. So far about 5-20% improved efficiency for 2 to 4 speed gearboxes. ZF insists EVs might end up using 4-speed gearboxes eventually but I can't help think they're biased in proposing this.