Hmm. I've always wondered about needing a transmission, or not, on a electric setup. I suspect, but it's only a guess, that on lower power setups it might mimic an ICE, in that gear multiplication is still multiplication. I don't see how a 100hp electric motor can make infinite torque at zero rpm; it must have some limit at zero rpm (and extension, low rpm) where it is limited in torque output. Using a multiplier (that can be removed later) is only going to allow more torque.
Now this concept vehicle and others with crazy power are probably traction limited and thus not an issue. But I have to wonder if in the future we'll have low power PEV's that could use even just a 2 speed transmission for fast takeoff. It could stay in high range, until the pedal was mashed. I guess it depends on if the motor is constant torque or constant horsepower: constant torque would argue for adding a transmission 'cuz spinning faster always results in more horsepower, but constant horsepower would mean no need as there would be no change in how fast work could be getting done.