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toto29620 t1_j4wfp4j wrote

Reply to comment by the_millenial_falcon in Toyota to Convert Older Cars to Eco-Friendly Models to Curb Emissions by renome

For low production volume it's easier/cheaper to use a close enought ratio from an already existing gearbox than designing a new one just for the engine/rear end combinaison.

Most people who does this kind of conversion themself tend to chose one good gear ratio and lock the gearbox to only use this gear without à clutch, the motor straight on the input shaft.

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the_millenial_falcon t1_j4wg67e wrote

I love manual transmissions, but it’s my understanding that they are pretty pointless on an electric motor because you don’t really have the same concept of a power band like you do on ICE cars. Even worse the sheer torque of electric engines can make them a liability.

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toto29620 t1_j4xbna2 wrote

They are pointless for an electric car i agree.

For retrofit application it's easier to keep the gearbox and only use the 2nd or 3rd gear for exemple, you set the right gear and never touch it again. Like that you have an already made adapter for the driveshaft with the correct drive line angle, you have frame mount and support with factory and easy to find oem bushing, the gas engine was already in a good spot for weight management so the electric motor should be at the same placé etc. It's just easier to do it that way, and you limit the number of custom fabricated parts needed and cost.

For brand new car on the other hand there is no point to fit a gearbox and it's easier to use an entire axle with motor included like tesla's as you can design the frame to fit around it.

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