autoevolution
 

Everything You Need to Know About the Single-Speed Gearbox of VW’s ID.3 and ID.4

After revolutionizing automatic transmissions with the introduction of the DSG dual-clutch, the Volkswagen Group enters the era of e-mobility using an innovative, modular single-speed gearbox already used in the ID.3 and ID.4 models.
ID. Single Speed Gearbox 8 photos
Photo: VW AG
Volkswagen ID.4Volkswagen ID.4Volkswagen ID.4Volkswagen ID.3Volkswagen ID.3Volkswagen ID.3Volkswagen's Single Speed Gearbox
Electric drives have not just changed how power is transmitted but also the way we drive, eliminating conventional transmissions and bringing new features like one-pedal driving or electronic torque vectoring.

For its ID. range of electric vehicles, the German manufacturer has created the MEB, one of the first modular platforms dedicated exclusively for the development of EVs. It can be fitted with one or multiple electric motors, depending on the size, weight, and type of vehicle. The choice for the two recently-released ID models is the APP 310 permanent magnet brushless motor.

Developed in-house by VW, the powerful e-drive unit delivers power to the driven wheels using an extremely compact, single-speed, two-stage transmission. Manufactured by Volkswagen Group Components at the Kassel plant, it only uses a small number of cogs to efficiently distribute power in all conceivable driving situations.

Volkswagen's Single Speed Gearbox
Photo: Volkswagen A.G.
Using such a gearbox makes sense for electric vehicles because maximum torque is instantly provided by the e-drive and remains constant over a wide speed range, unlike conventional ICEs where torque varies depending on engine speed. To backup, the rotation of the electric drive is simply reversed with the help of power electronics.

In the ID.3, high speeds are necessary to reach the maximum power of 200 hp (150 kW), so the 1-speed gearbox uses about ten times the transmission ratio to deliver 310 Nm (230 lb-ft) of torque to the rear wheels. The maximum speed of 161 kph (100 mph) is reached at a maximum of 16,000 rpm.

To save space and weight, the gearbox ratio was designed with two smaller two-stage gears instead of one large gear. In the ID.3 and ID.4, which are family cars designed for increased range rather than speed, the use of only one gear makes perfect sense.

Manufacturing such a transmission requires an unprecedented level of precision because of the rotational speeds involved. Also, since EVs are extremely quiet, the noise level of every component is extremely important.

At the end of the production cycle, not only do VW engineers test the power characteristics of the electric drive, but they also analyze the relevant noise levels it produces.

Volkswagen’s current ID. (Intelligent Design) series consists of the ID.3 hatchback and the ID.4 compact crossover SUV.

Volkswagen ID\.3
Photo: Volkswagen A.G.
The ID.3 was unveiled in 2019 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, based on the I.D. concept car showcased three years earlier. Deliveries to European customers began in September after being delayed for several months due to software errors.

The electric hatchback is available with a single rear-mounted motor and three choices of battery packs, with power ranging from 45 kWh to 77 kWh.

The second model of the ID. range also debuted in September and is currently available in the same single-motor rear-wheel-drive layout as its smaller sibling. However, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant will be released next year.

Volkswagen is committed to the Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to limit the global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees by 2050 and plans to become completely CO2 neutral by that time. This includes its production lines as well as its future vehicles.

We should be prepared to experience the e-drive and single-speed transmission in the near future as ICE-driven vehicles will disappear sooner than we would expect.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Vlad Radu
Vlad Radu profile photo

Vlad's first car was custom coach built: an exotic he made out of wood, cardboard and a borrowed steering wheel at the age of five. Combining his previous experience in writing and car dealership years, his articles focus in depth on special cars of past and present times.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories