Why do electric cars accelerate so fast?
// WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
An electric motor gives full twisting force (torque) from zero speed, with no gearbox to shift.
// LESSON NOTES
Why do electric cars launch SO fast? 🚗⚡
⛽ A petrol engine is weak at low revs — it has to rev up to a few thousand RPM to give its best pull (torque).
🔄 An electric motor gives its FULL twist from zero speed — the moment you press the pedal.
⚙️ Most EVs have just one gear: no gear shifts, so the push never stops.
⏱️ The motor's controller changes the power in milliseconds — the car just jumps.
✅ Full twist + no shifting + instant response = that rocket launch.
Read the voiceover (transcript)
- Why do electric cars launch so fast?
- A petrol engine has to rev up first.
- An electric motor gives full twist from zero speed!
- And no gears to shift, so the push never stops!
- Guess: how fast does it react?
- In milliseconds! The car just jumps.
- Full twist, no shifts, instant push!
- Next: how a phone camera turns light into a photo. Follow for more!
Related lessons
EP.176 · Explained SimplyExplained Simply #10: What is a semiconductor, really?
EP.208 · Explained SimplyExplained Simply #14: how does a battery store electricity?
EP.168 · Explained SimplyExplained Simply #9: How does the internet travel through glass?
EP.216 · Explained SimplyExplained Simply #15: what is 5G, really?
// NEWSLETTER · FREE
Get new lessons + early access to the full course
One email when new lessons drop. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
✓ You're on the list! We'll email you when new lessons drop.
By joining you agree to the privacy policy.
