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Are electric cars automatic? 

Yes, all electric cars are automatic. This is one of the most common questions asked when researching switching from a petrol or diesel to an all-electric vehicle. In this article we take a deeper look at why all electric vehicles are automatic and some of the benefits and drawbacks of switching to an electric vehicle.  

 

How do manual gearboxes work? 

To understand why you don't need to change gear in an electric car we take a look at how manual gearboxes work and their function in cars. In a manual transmission vehicle gears are used to control the speed and torque of the car or van. The driver is able to respond to road conditions by selecting the appropriate gear. For example, when driving up a hill more torque is needed. The driver can select a lower gear to increase torque and enable the car to travel safely up the hill. Manual gearboxes require the driver to alter the gear to best suit the power and torque needed.  

 

Manual cars can only run at a certain number of revs per minute (RPM), this is the rotations of the engine. Once the manual car has reached the maximum number of RPM the gear needs to be changed in order to increase vehicle power. Changing up a gear reduces the RPM so the torque can increase further. The same goes for switching down gear. The power needs to be decreased but the RPM needs to remain at a certain level, a lower gear accomplishes this.  

 

Why don't electric vehicles need gears? 

Electric vehicles only use one gear, so there is no need for a manual gearbox. The reason electric engines are able to run in one gear is down to the number of revs an electric engine can achieve. They can achieve far greater RPM compared to a petrol or diesel car. EVs are also able to perform at much higher speeds with a low number of revs per minute. This therefore means that the driver is not required to switch gears in order to control the RPM. The car can simply run in one gear with no issues. 

 

How does this differ from automatic petrol or diesel vehicles? 

Automatic petrol and diesel vehicles work the same way as manual, but the car selects the appropriate gear required for the speed you are currently traveling at, and the amount of torque needed. Using the brakes and accelerator the driver controls the speed of the vehicle. The internal system selects the best gear without the driver needing to do it manually. This is why in some automatic vehicles you can have a manual override which allows the driver to switch to manually selecting the right gear. 

 

Should I buy an electric vehicle 

If you’re considering switching to an electric vehicle but are still undecided, take a read of our benefits and drawbacks for a detailed look at either side. Buying a new vehicle is a big decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. Our electric vehicle guide can help you navigate your way through the world of EVs.  

 

Benefits of an electric vehicle 

There are several benefits of driving an electric vehicle. These include: 

  • No CO2 emissions - better for the planet  

  • No need to pay vehicle tax 

  • Silent drive  

  • Easy to drive, no need to change gears, or worry about hill starts 

  • Futureproof - from 2030 the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned in the UK 

  • Free parking and charging in some places 

  • Cheaper to charge and run compared to petrol and diesel engines 

  • Ability to charge at home with the right equipment 

Drawbacks of electric vehicles 

  • More expensive to buy compared to similar petrol or diesel models 

  • You can't drive as far in an electric car without stopping to charge 

  • Charging an electric car takes more time than filling up with petrol or diesel 

  • Less choice of makes models and age of vehicles. 

  • Vehicle batteries are very expensive to replace, but last around 10 years 

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