Ford Files Patent for Innovative Manual Shifters in Electric Vehicles

It can be deployed and works both as a sequential shifter or a complete six-speed manual. The only downside is that there are no real gears to shift.

Electric vehicles possess significantly distinct drivetrains compared to those powered by internal combustion engines; however, this isn’t deterring manufacturers from attempting to replicate the driving experiences familiar to most motorists. For instance, Ford’s recent patent filing, disclosed on March 20, outlines detailed aspects of incorporating a manual transmission system into electric cars. It's important to clarify that this concept doesn't involve actual gear changes; rather, it aims at emulating these sensations.

The patent—titled Assembly for Shifting Mechanism in Electric Vehicles —features an authentically vintage shift knob attached within a boxed setup. Were this shifter designed for, example, a Ford Mustang Dark Horse, it would be installed on the transmission tunnel and linked mechanically to a six-speed gearbox.

In this setup, it merely rests on an elevated area of the flooring and comes into contact with different actuators controlled by an electronic power management system. As described in the patent, this system "regulates the delivery of electric energy from the battery pack, adjusting both the motor speeds and the torque produced by each motor."

To put it differently, when you move the control lever back and forth, this action sends signals to adjust the power output from the electric vehicle’s motor (or motors). This process emulates the gear changes found in traditional transmissions. Of course, this might make your EV less speedy because the power delivery is momentarily disrupted; however, achieving such emulation appears to be the objective rather than improving speed.

Ford is not the only one experimenting with this concept; Hyundai was the first to introduce it. with the Ioniq 5 N , featuring simulated paddle shifters designed to provide gas car-like experiences perfect for a track day or an exciting backroad drive. Toyota is also experimenting with a comparable approach on their newest model. Lexus RZ , and we have tested prototypes in Japan that utilize a virtual joystick —equipped with a clutch and stall-outs. Nevertheless, it’s uncertain whether the manual stick shift will be featured in any production cars; paddle shifts appear more probable for regular use.

Thanks to their instantaneous start-up without the hindrance of gears, electric vehicles (EVs) are currently the fastest mass-produced cars globally. The focus here is on driver involvement, which EVs generally struggle with compared to models such as a Mazda MX-5 Miata or perhaps an older pickup truck featuring a long shifter extending from the floor. These manual transmissions can be set up for sequential shifting or adhere to a traditional six-speed configuration.

In this aspect, Ford’s electric vehicle (EV) shifter doesn’t simply operate without purpose. Tiny motors integrated into the bottom part of the shifter offer haptic feedback via the gearstick. It can make the stick rumble similar to a rough-running 6.2-liter V- eight engine in a Camaro, and as you shift between gears, it gives a gritty resistance. This feature is somewhat interesting but also feels a little artificial. Plus, since Most electric vehicles lack transmissions. The complete assembly can be folded away if you prefer regular driving conditions. This feature will be appreciated by anyone who has previously struggled with moving between the front seats due to a large console in-between.

Currently, this idea exists only as a patent. The filing dates back to 2023, indicating that Ford has been contemplating this concept for quite a while. However, whether it will become reality remains uncertain. This innovation might serve as an attractive option to draw devoted fans of conventional vehicles towards electric cars.

Manual EVs:

• This Vintage Porsche 356A Is Now Electric--But Retains a manual Transmission
• Toyota's Electric Vehicle Manual Transmission Compared to Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s Simulated Dual-Clutch System: A Comparison Analysis
• I Test-Drove Toyota's Manual-Shift Electric Vehicle. It's Way More Enjoyable Than Expected.
• Lexus Confirms Manual Transmission for Electric Vehicles; LFA successor Might Feature It