Most electric vehicles have a one-speed fixed-gear transmission. The Taycan S is the first EV that uses a two-speed transmission to drive the rear wheels.
Unlike internal-combustion engines, electric motors deliver maximum torque right when acceleration begins, which is how EVs leap to 60 mph so quickly.
The Taycan S features a single speed for the front wheels, with a rear two-speed that provides all-wheel drive and the blistering performance that helps give the Taycan S its supercar credentials. That includes a 0 to 60 sprint in about 2.6 seconds, and a top speed of 162 mph.
In a Taycan S, both transmissions stay in first gear until 60 mph, then the rear transmission shifts into second gear, which allows the rear motor to spin slower, getting it closer to peak torque. The second gear enables longer driving range per charge.
But as with all cars, especially high-performance Porsches, your mileage may vary.