If you’re moving from a petrol SUV to a REEV, you might wonder whether it changes gears like your current car. There’s still a drive selector, but what happens when you press the accelerator is different.
Here’s what a REEV’s transmission does, why acceleration feels different and what happens when the petrol engine starts.
Does a REEV Change Gears?
Most REEVs use a single-speed reduction gearbox for their electric drive system. It transfers the electric motor’s power to the wheels without shifting through several forward gears.
So, saying a REEV has “no gearbox” isn’t quite accurate. It has gearing, but generally doesn’t need the multi-speed automatic transmission found in a conventional petrol SUV.
An electric motor can work across a broad speed range, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from a standstill to highway speeds using one fixed gear ratio.
| What happens | Petrol SUV with a multi-speed automatic | Typical single-speed REEV |
|---|---|---|
| Moving away | The engine drives through a low gear. | The electric motor drives through fixed gearing. |
| Building speed | The transmission shifts into higher gears. | Motor speed increases without gear changes. |
| Accelerating harder | The transmission may downshift. | The electric drive system increases output. |
| Petrol engine running | Engine power reaches the wheels through the transmission. | The engine generates electricity for the battery and electric drive system. |
Why Does Acceleration Feel Different?
In a petrol SUV, you may notice a brief change in acceleration as the transmission shifts. Pressing the accelerator harder can also trigger a downshift before the vehicle picks up speed.
A single-speed REEV doesn’t have those gear changes. Acceleration can feel more continuous, particularly when pulling away or adjusting speed in traffic.
That doesn’t mean every REEV responds identically. Accelerator tuning, driving mode and available battery power still affect how the car feels.
What Happens When the Petrol Engine Starts?
The engine starting doesn’t mean an iCAUR REEV switches to a conventional petrol drivetrain. The electric motors continue driving the wheels while the range extender generates electricity.
You may hear the engine, but that sound doesn’t signal a gear change. Its operating speed is managed around the vehicle’s energy needs, so it won’t necessarily rise and fall with road speed as you might expect in a petrol car.
Our guide to how the iCAUR range extender works explains that relationship in more detail.
Do You Need to Drive It Differently?
The basic controls are familiar: select Drive to move forward, use the accelerator to control speed and brake to slow down. There’s no clutch pedal or need to choose forward gears yourself.
The main adjustment is getting used to the accelerator response and how much the vehicle slows when you lift off. That slowing can come from regenerative braking rather than a gearbox downshift.
During a visit to the iCAUR showroom in Dubai, ask to try gentle starts, low-speed driving and normal acceleration on your test drive. Those everyday situations will tell you more about the difference than a hard acceleration run.
