Ford Patents Manual Transmission For EVs

EVs have always been criticised for their lack of driver engagement. In the modern day, every aspect of an EV is upmarketed except one, which is the ‘fun to drive factor’. Irrespective of their Power output, EVs have never felt as engaging as the traditional ICE cars. Ford is now trying to change that aspect by implementing manual gearboxes in their upcoming EVs with their latest patent.

The Concept: Manual Feel Without the Gears

Recently, Ford filed a patent for a system that mimics the experience of using a manual gear shift. Instead of traditional mechanical parts, the system uses electronic signals to simulate the shifting process. The shift knob, positioned centrally like in sports cars, will drivers to engage with their vehicle in a purer manner, recreating the physical feedback absent in EVs.

Why Do We Need Manual Transmission EVs?

Electric vehicles are known for their immediate acceleration, delivering power instantly when the pedal is pressed. However, once they reach cruising speed, many EVs feel lifeless and boring due to their smooth and constant power delivery; there’s no drama! Ford aims to address this by adding a simulated manual transmission feature to alleviate the monotony of driving EVs at high speeds. This would make electric vehicles more fun to drive.

Manual transmissions have become increasingly rare in new vehicles, with less than 1% of cars sold in the U.S. last year offering a stick shift. Ford’s innovation would appeal to the nostalgic desires of drivers who want to feel more connected with their car and enjoy the mechanical feel of a manual gearbox.

Ford’s EV Lineup and Future Plans

Ford currently offers the Mustang, Mach-E, and the F-150 Lightning as part of its electric vehicle range, all inspired by iconic models with manual transmission options. We still don’t know which Ford EVs plan to incorporate this technology, but the patent highlights the company’s commitment to blending nostalgia with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.

Conclusion

In summary, Ford’s new patent aims to bring a familiar yet innovative twist to the electric vehicle market, responding to the need for more driver interaction and excitement in the era of EVs. While this might make the feel of the EVs more fun, this might also lead to more technical failures due to the added complexity of such systems.