Electric driving: What is Torque?

Torque - how does it work, and why is it different in an EV?

One of the major benefits of driving an electric vehicle (EV) is the instant torque that they can produce. Measured in Newton Metres (Nm), torque is the turning or rotational power of the engine. You may have also heard it described as a car’s ‘pulling power’. 

The more torque a car can produce, the quicker it accelerates and reaches top speed. The amount of torque a car can produce is often one of its top-selling points, with many manufacturers ranking it alongside top speeds and brake horsepower in terms of importance.

EVs have been renowned for their ability to create instant torque, something that is not possible with an internal combustion engine (ICE).

Traditionally, a car’s torque delivery would gradually increase from a starting position before peaking and eventually declining.

However, for EVs, the instant torque results in very fast acceleration speeds that match or even outperform some of their ICE counterparts. For those behind the wheel of an EV, this can result in a very rewarding driving experience, especially in stop-start city environments, where many believe they perform at their best.

Most standard cars with combustion engines will have top speeds far greater than EVs, but naturally, they will take longer to reach those peaks.

While their top speeds may not be as impressive in most cases, it is a real feather in the cap of electric vehicles to show consumers how you don’t lose any of that immediate power or performance by going green. 

Interested in experiencing the acceleration of an electric vehicle for yourself? Take a look at our latest electric car lease deals.