It can be deployed and works both as a sequential shifter or a complete six-speed manual. Unfortunately, it lacks real gear changes.
Electric vehicles possess entirely distinct drivetrains compared to those powered by internal combustion engines. However, this hasn’t deterred manufacturers from attempting to replicate the driving experiences familiar to most motorists. For instance, Ford’s recent patent filing, disclosed on March 20, outlines details regarding a traditional manual transmission system designed specifically for electric cars. It doesn’t involve gear changes per se; nonetheless, that isn’t what matters here.
The patent—titled
Electric Vehicle Shifter Mechanism
—features an authentically vintage shift knob attached within a housing. Were this shifter intended for use in, example, a Ford Mustang Dark Horse, it would be installed on the transmission hump and connected through mechanical connections to a six-speed gearshift mechanism.
In this setup, it merely rests on an elevated part of the flooring and interacts with different actuators controlled by an electronic power management system. As described in the patent, this system “regulates the delivery of electrical energy from the battery pack, managing 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 multiple motors). This process emulates the gear changes found in conventional transmissions. It might seem like this would make your EV less efficient due to interruptions in power delivery; however, efficiency isn’t what these mechanisms aim to achieve.
Ford EV Shifter Patent
Ford isn’t the only one attempting this concept; Hyundai was the first to introduce it.
with the Ioniq 5 N
, featuring simulated paddle shifters designed to provide gasoline car-like experiences perfect for a track day or an exciting drive on winding roads. Similarly, Toyota is attempting something along these lines with the new model.
Lexus RZ
, and we have tested prototypes in Japan
that utilize a virtual joystick
—equipped with a clutch and stall-outs. Nonetheless, it’s uncertain whether the manual shift will be implemented in any production cars; paddle shifts might be 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 relative to models such as a Mazda MX-5 Miata or an older pickup truck featuring a long shift stick mounted on the floor. These traditional vehicles offer either sequential shifting or adhere to a conventional six-speed layout.
Regarding Ford’s electric vehicle shifter, it doesn’t simply operate automatically. The base includes tiny motors that offer haptic feedback via the gearshift. This allows for vibrations similar to those from a rough 6.2-liter V-8 engine found in a Camaro. Additionally, as you switch gears, it offers tactile resistance akin to shifting through notches. While this feature might seem somewhat intriguing, it also comes off as slightly gimmicky. And since
Most electric vehicles lack transmissions.
The complete assembly can be pulled back if you prefer regular driving. Those who have previously had to clamber over a large console to switch seating positions will understand the value of this feature.
Currently, this idea exists only as a patent. The filing dates back to 2023, indicating that Ford has had this concept on their mind for quite a while now. It remains uncertain whether it will actually come to life, but it might serve as an attractive option to draw devoted petrolhead customers towards electric vehicles.
Manual EVs:
- This Vintage Porsche 356A Is Now Electric–But Retains a manual gearbox
- Toyota’s EV Manual Transmission Compared to Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s Synthetic Dual Clutch: A Comparison Analysis
- I Took a Ride in 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 as well.
