> Are we talking about a "slushbox" automatic without a locking torque converter, or an all gear manual transmission - there is a big difference. Correct. IIRC

> Are we talking about a "slushbox" automatic without a locking torque converter, or an all gear manual transmission - there is a big difference. Correct. IIRC again (numbers from 2010ish, probably there were some improvements since but I bet physics limit those) the best stick were 15%-20%; slushboxes were 25%-30%. Such loss is justified by making the car able to operate on a much wider range, from standstill to highway speeds, and solve the ~zero torque at <1000rpm problem. IOW without a gearbox the car is useless. Without that requirement a simple reduction would be much more efficient. One of the huge benefits of going electric is that - in addition of having stellar electric to mechanical energy conversion efficiency (90-95%, vs a very lousy number I can't recall for chemical to mechanic energy) - the engine can basically be put on direct drive because torque is immediately available starting at 0rpm and all the way to max rpm, so no additional loss. > I didn't specify what type of gear box because there are many different options. Belts of the front pulleys would work. You could rig up a chain drive system as well. there are pros and cons to each. Totally fair! I didn't want to sound dismissing, only complementary.