ELECTRIC

VEHICLE

SINGLE SPEED
TRANSMISSION
OVERVI
EW Electric vehicles (EVs) commonly utilize a single-
speed transmission system due to the inherent
characteristics of electric motors.
Unlike traditional internal combustion engines that
require multiple gears for optimal performance across a
wide RPM range, electric motors provide ample torque
across a broader spectrum.
This single-speed transmission simplifies the
drivetrain, reducing complexity and enhancing overall
efficiency.
HOW DOES EV
WORKS
EVs receive energy from a charging station and
store the energy in its battery. The battery gives
power to the motor which moves the wheels.

TRACTION BATTERY
PACKS
POWER INVERTER

Electric Traction Motor DC/DC Converter Charge Port

Charger Battery

Transmission Thermal System

 First Gear (Lowest Ratio):
• This gear provides high torque multiplication and is
used for starting the vehicle from a standstill or
climbing steep inclines.
MULTI- • Typical gear ratio: 3.50:1 to 4.50:1.

Second Gear:
SPEED • Used for moderate acceleration and driving at low
speeds.

TRANSMIS
A multispeed transmission, also known as a
• Typical gear ratio: 2.00:1 to 3.00:1.

multi-speed gearbox, is a type of transmission Third Gear:

SION
system in vehicles that includes multiple gears • Used for cruising at moderate speeds.
• Typical gear ratio: 1.50:1 to 2.50:1.
or speed ratios. The primary purpose of a
multispeed transmission is to allow the engine
Fourth Gear:
to operate efficiently across a range of speeds
• Used for highway cruising or maintaining a
and driving conditions.
constant speed.
• Typical gear ratio: 1.00:1 to 1.50:1.
SINGLE SPEED
TRANSMISSION

A single-speed transmission, also known as

a fixed-gear or direct drive transmission, is
a type of transmission that has only one
gear ratio. This means that the motor drives
the wheels directly, without the use of any
gears.
 Electric Motor:
01 The heart of an EV, the electric motor,
generates torque and drives the vehicle.

Power Electronics:
02 Control systems that manage the flow of
electrical energy between the battery and
the electric motor.

OPERATION
03
Transmission Control Unit
Regulates
(TCU): the transmission's operation,

COMPONENTS optimizing performance based on driving

conditions.
 SINGLE SPEED
TRANSMISSION

TORQUE IS DIRECTLY
PROPORTIONAL TO POWER
TORQUE IS INVERSELY
PROPORTIONAL TO RPM
RPM IS DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL
TO SPEED
 SINGLE SPEED
TRANSMISSION

TORQUE IS DIRECTLY
PROPORTIONAL TO POWER
TORQUE IS INVERSELY
PROPORTIONAL TO RPM
RPM IS DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL
TO SPEED
 EXAMPLE OF
VEHICLE
A notable example of an electric vehicle
employing a single-speed transmission are
the following:

TESLA
MODEL
Tesla vehicles, 3
including the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y, typically use
a single-speed transmission. Tesla's approach is to rely on the electric motor's ability to
provide sufficient torque across a broad range of speeds without the need for multiple
gears.
 EXAMPLE OF
VEHICLE

Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf, a popular electric car, uses a single-speed transmission. The
simplicity of a single-speed design contributes to the Leaf's efficiency and ease of use.
 EXAMPLE OF
VEHICLE

Chevrolet Bolt
EVChevrolet Bolt EV is another electric vehicle that often utilizes a single-speed
The
transmission. The Bolt's electric drivetrain is designed to provide a smooth and
seamless driving experience without the need for gear changes.
ADVANTAGES

• Simplicity: Reduced mechanical complexity leads to lower maintenance costs

and enhanced reliability.
• Efficiency: Elimination of gear shifts improves energy efficiency, resulting in
increased range and performance.
• Cost-Effective: Single-speed transmissions are cost-efficient to manufacture and
maintain.
• Enhanced Driving Experience: Smooth and continuous acceleration without gear
shifts provides a more enjoyable driving experience.
 DISADVANTAGE
S

• Limited Speed Range: Optimization for a specific speed range may lead to
limitations in high-speed performance.
• Performance Trade-offs: Achieving peak efficiency might result in compromises
in acceleration or top-speed capabilities.
POSSIBLE
TROUBLES AND
MAINTENANCE
• ELECTRIC MOTOR ISSUES: MOTOR MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES MAY
OCCUR, NECESSITATING PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION AND REPAIR.
• POWER ELECTRONICS FAULTS: PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER
ELECTRONICS COULD IMPACT THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM,
REQUIRING DIAGNOSTIC CHECKS AND POTENTIAL REPLACEMENTS.
• TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT GLITCHES: TCU ISSUES MAY AFFECT
THE TRANSMISSION'S PERFORMANCE, NECESSITATING SOFTWARE
UPDATES OR REPLACEMENTS.
 MAINTENANCE
TIPS

• Regularly check and maintain the electric motor for optimal performance.
• Ensure the power electronics components are free from damage or wear.
• Periodically update the Transmission Control Unit software for the latest
optimizations.
 CONCLUSI
ON
The adoption of a single-speed transmission in electric vehicles represents a
strategic choice to maximize efficiency, reduce complexity, and enhance the
overall driving experience. As technology advances, ongoing research and
development are likely to address current limitations, further establishing single-
speed transmissions as a key component in the evolution of electric vehicle
drivetrains.
 REFERENC
ES
• 2023 Bolt EV: Electric Car | Chevrolet. (n.d.). https://www.chevrolet.com/electric/bolt-ev
• Nissan LEAF | Nissan Philippines. (n.d.). Nissan. https://www.nissan.ph/vehicles/new/leaf.html
• Admin, & Admin. (2022, August 9). Electric Car Components and Functions - Omazaki Group. Omazaki Group -
Official Website Omazaki Group. https://www.omazaki.co.id/en/electric-vehicle-components/
• Lesics. (2017, May 30). How does an Electric Car work ? | Tesla Model S [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SAxXUIre28
• The eAxle Guy. (2022, November 7). Animation showing exploded view of ZF Electric Axle Drive (eAxle) [Video].
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ry4qqOBfQU
 Quiz
Q1: In 3 to 5 sentences, explain how the single speed transmission works.
Q2: Differentiate Single speed transmission from multispeed transmission.
Q3: What is your perspective in the future prominence of electric vehicles within the automotive industry?