About Electric Powertrains in Corpus Christi, TX

Electric Vehicle Powertrains 101

The powertrains in electrified vehicles are stunning examples of automotive innovation, but they’re still a novelty in many ways, and if you don’t know how they work you’re not alone. Keep reading to explore how the parts of EV powertrains fit together and what that means for EV drivers.

EV Batteries

Batteries are to EVs as gas tanks are to traditional engines. In addition to the 120-volt battery in every vehicle currently on the market, EVs have one or more rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are more energy-dense, producing more power than their size would imply. This makes them the perfect type of battery for electric vehicles. EV batteries cost less to recharge than gas-powered vehicles to refill since electricity generally costs $0.05 per mile and gasoline averages about $0.13 per mile).

Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt hours often abbreviated as kWh, and it directly affects how far you’re able to travel on a single charge. If you’re shopping for an electric vehicle, it’s important to compare the capacity and range of the EV battery much as you would the EPA fuel economy of a traditional vehicle.

EV Motors

The gas-powered vehicles people have driven since the turn of the 20th century use a combustion engine. Electric vehicles however use a motor. The difference between the two is much simpler than most people realize. A motor transforms the electrical energy from the battery into the mechanical energy that drives the wheels. An engine does the same thing with various forms of fuel. Another difference is that motors don’t need oil so EV owners get the benefit of never having to schedule an oil change again. Similar to a gasoline engine, an electric motor’s power output is quantified in horsepower and pound-feet of torque. These metrics provide a general indication of the vehicle’s acceleration, maximum speed, and towing capability.

EV Transmissions

The motors in EVs are usually paired with a single-speed transmission instead of a multi-speed or continuously variable transmission (CVT). A single-speed transmission is a compact gearbox that sends power to the wheels of an electric vehicle (EV). It’s also known as a two-stage 1-speed gearbox.

Electric Vehicles Available at Mike Shaw Kia

Kia currently offers a lineup of several electric vehicles which include the following:

• Kia Niro EV
• Kia EV6
• Kia EV5
• Kia EV9
• Kia Soul EV

If you’re interested in finding a vehicle that will allow you to save money on fuel, reduce your carbon footprint, and skip your regular visit to the gas pump, visit Mike Shaw Kia and ask our representatives about the Kia EV lineup.