Electrical vehicles do not want multi-speed transmissions however, an an effort to recapture a few of the really feel of internal-combustion vehicles, Stellantis is contemplating making single-speed EV transmissions behave like they’ve a number of gears.

America Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) in September printed a Stellantis patent utility titled “Simulated Shifts and Modes for Battery Electrical Autos Driving.”

The patent describes adjusting the torque output of motors to simulate the shift factors “of a predetermined typical automotive computerized transmission having 4 or extra speeds.” The purpose of the patented system is to create a extra concerned driving expertise.

Most manufacturing EVs have single-speed transmissions (the Porsche Taycan being a notable exception with its 2-speed transmission) as a result of they do not want the extra gears. Electrical motors produce most torque at any velocity, so there is not any want for various gear ratios to match rpm with wheel velocity.

Stellantis simulated shifting patent picture

Nonetheless, Stellantis believes the dearth of shifting “could possibly be monotonous or boring to the motive force.” Moreover, the automaker claims within the patent utility that simulated shift factors could possibly be mixed with programmable drive modes, and even using torque vectoring to set off oversteer or a “crab stroll” operate, with the intention to create a “extra immersive and enjoyable” driving expertise.

Simulating shift factors additionally would not require a lot extra {hardware}, in accordance with Stellantis. Sensors would inform a management module to quickly alter motor torque output at factors when an precise transmission can be shifting. The patent utility discusses simulated power-on upshifts, guide shifting, and a kick-down detent within the accelerator pedal that may set off a “downshift” when the pedal is pushed previous a sure level, simulating the habits of computerized transmissions.

Stellantis is planning a Dodge electrical muscle automobile, primarily based on the Charger Daytona SRT Idea first proven in 2022. The mannequin is anticipated to function the de facto substitute for the present gasoline Charger and Challenger going out of manufacturing this 12 months. A performance-focused EV like that looks like match for a brand new function designed to extend driver involvement, however we now know Stellantis goes a unique route.

Dodge Charger Daytona Idea

A Stellantis spokesperson confirmed to Motor Authority the manufacturing variant of the Charger SRT Daytona Idea will function a multi-speed transmission. Which means actual shift factors, not simulated ones. The transmission is one among of three patent-pending applied sciences on the idea which can be more likely to see their technique to a manufacturing automobile, together with the R-Wing aerodynamic entrance wing and Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust sound generator, designed to offer an aural substitute for engine noises.

Different automakers are additionally attempting to offer EVs a few of the habits of internal-combustion vehicles to make them extra participating. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has an N e-shift operate that Hyundai stated simulates the sensation of an 8-speed dual-clutch computerized. Volkswagen has stated the ID.GTI electrical sizzling hatch idea could be programmed to behave like basic GTI fashions. Toyota can be contemplating placing a bodily shifter and clutch pedal in an electrical sports activities automobile, albeit not related to the driveline.

So whereas there isn’t any assure Stellantis’ simulated shifting system will see manufacturing, it is doable that we’ll see this concept resurface in some unspecified time in the future.