I’ve never seen an ICE car need two engines to drive all four wheels. Why do EVs need 2 motors? Wouldn’t a transmission be cheaper than another motor?

  • markeydarkey2B
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    10 months ago

    While you could have an all-wheel drive system with a transfer-case/center-differential in an EV, it would have worse performance in most scenarios coupled with much higher losses. By minimizing the amount of parts the electric motor(s) have to spin, you reduce losses and improve efficiency.

    Needing to package drive shafts throughout the length of the car eats into passenger room too, that’s why so many ICE cars have rear transmission-tunnels.

    The one scenario I can think of where a center-differential/transfer-case would fare better is with lockers in an off-road situation.