It's just an idea. Or rather a patent. But now For has it. That is, the possibility of equipping electric cars with manual transmissions.
Ford is exploring the possibility of introducing a manual gearshift in electric vehicles. The automaker has secured a patent for a new system for just that purpose. The goal is to give drivers a driving experience more similar to that of cars with internal combustion engines.
The patent, titled “Shifter Assembly For Electric Vehicle,” details the system, which was published on March 20.
This is what Top Gear writes.
The gear lever in Ford's system resembles a traditional gear lever. However, it is not mechanically connected to a gearbox as we know it. Instead, it is mounted on a raised part of the floor of the electric car.
Under the gear lever are various actuators. They are controlled by an electronic control unit. The unit regulates the power from the electric car's battery pack.
It also controls the speed of the electric motors and the torque they produce. When the driver moves the gear lever, signals are sent to the control unit. These signals cause the unit to adjust the engine output so that it feels like a gear change.
Ford's gear lever simulates driving with a manual transmission… maybe
The system is primarily about creating a certain feeling for the driver. It's not about shifting actual gears in a transmission. Ford has integrated small motors into the base of the gear lever.
The small motors provide haptic feedback directly to the driver's hand. For example, the gear lever can vibrate to mimic the feel of a large V8 engine.
The system also provides resistance when the driver moves the lever between simulated gears, contributing to a more authentic feel for gear changes.
The gear lever can be configured in different ways. It can function as a sequential gear lever, where you push it forward or backward.
It can also be set to follow a classic six-speed H-monster. Since most electric cars don't have a traditional transmission tunnel, the system offers a clever feature. The entire gear lever assembly can be pulled down and hidden in the floor when not in use.
Other automakers are testing similar systems
Ford isn't the only automaker experimenting with this kind of technology. Hyundai has already introduced a similar concept in its Ioniq 5 N model, which uses paddle shifters behind the steering wheel to simulate gear changes.
The Hyundai system also mimics the sound and feel of a gasoline car to enhance driving pleasure. Toyota is also working on similar ideas for its electric cars.
Prototypes of the Lexus RZ have been tested with a simulated manual gearshift and even a clutch pedal. It's still uncertain whether those systems will make it to production models, though. Many believe that paddle shifters are a more likely solution for everyday driving.
Electric cars are known for their instant acceleration. They don't need to shift gears to deliver their torque quickly – right here and now, in fact. Many of the fastest new cars on the market today are electric.
But some drivers miss the interaction and driver engagement that a manual transmission provides. That's the feeling Ford and other manufacturers are trying to recreate with the new systems. The aim is to make the driving experience in electric cars more engaging for enthusiasts.
Ford's system is currently just a patent. The application was filed back in 2023, which shows that Ford has been working on the idea for some time.
Whether the simulated manual gearshift will ever become a reality in Ford's electric vehicles remains to be seen, but it could be an interesting way to attract traditional car enthusiasts to the world of electric vehicles.
Are you interested in reading more about Ford, electric cars or the latest technology in the automotive world? Then you will find plenty of articles, news and tests here at Boosted.dk.
