[metroschultz]

Waxy,
I can't tell you why, if, or how clutches are an issue in electric cars.
I haven't built an electric or had the opportunity to work on one.
However,
If you will allow me to spew here I can explain how most automotive clutches work.
Remember that you must dis-engage the engine from the transmission in order to stop the car.[ wheels stop--motor doesn't]
You must also dis-engage the engine & transmission to shift.[engine and trans spinning at different speeds]
The clutch in your car has several components to allow it to accomplish these tasks.
Flywheel - Directly attached to the engine
Driven Plate - Directly attached to the trans input
Pressure Plate - Bolted to the flywheel and sandwiching the Driven Plate to the Flywheel
Release Bearing - Attached to the clutch pedal
The Driven Plate is squeezed between the Flywheel & Pressure Plate.
It spins when they spin
as you push on the clutch pedal it pushes the Release Bearing into the Pressure Plate to force the Pressure Plate off of the Driven Plate.
As the Pressure Plate moves away from the Driven Plate the Driven Plate is allowed to spin free [or at speed with the trans]
so to recap
three plates
inner & outer go to engine
center goes to trans
squeeze & they all move together
un-squeeze & the two engine spin independent of the trans
It would be easier to illustrate with pics or a video.
Maybe someone can find you one, I don't have any on this computer,[ and I'm to lazy to look for them on the web]
I hope this helps you understand a little better.
Schultz.