Porsche already does it. And now several car brands are following the Germans' example and equipping electric cars with multi-speed gearboxes.
The gearbox is making a comeback in electric cars, where manufacturers are now experimenting with two-stage transmissions to optimize range and efficiency.
The technology has previously been almost absent in modern electric cars, but both the Porsche Taycan and the Audi e-tron GT have reintroduced it. Now more manufacturers seem to be following suit, including Lucid and Mercedes.
Lucid has previously applied for a patent for a two-speed gearbox, and the application has recently been approved. The idea behind the system is to make the electric motor work more efficiently at different speeds, which can improve the car's overall performance.
According to Motor1, studies have shown that a two-stage unloading can increase efficiency by approximately five percent under certain conditions. However, Lucid is working to raise this limit and expects even greater improvements, according to director Peter Rawlinson.
Mercedes is also on the way with a two-speed gearbox in their upcoming electric CLA model. Here, the system will be located on the rear axle and provide higher efficiency in changing road conditions.
The car starts in second gear, which is primarily used on motorways, while first gear is activated at low speeds or strong acceleration. This unloading should help to improve the car's overall performance without compromising the range.
Volvo has previously patented similar technology, although it has not yet been used in the brand's current models. However, it suggests that several car brands see the potential of two-speed gearboxes as a method to make better use of the capacity of the electric motors and at the same time increase the range.
With this development, it is clear that the gearbox is not a thing of the past. But instead an active element in improving the electric cars of the future. It will be interesting to follow how and when manufacturers such as Lucid and Mercedes implement the technology in their models.
However, it is far from certain that anything will happen right now and here. Boosted knows, for example, that Ferrari has the patent for a hydrogen-powered V6 engine that has the top cover turned upside down. But the people from Maranello apparently leave it in the drawer.
