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

The US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) in September revealed a Stellantis patent software titled “Simulated Shifts and Modes for Battery Electrical Automobiles Driving.”

The patent describes adjusting the torque output of motors to simulate the shift factors “of a predetermined typical automotive automated 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 isn’t any want for various gear ratios to match rpm with wheel velocity.

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

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

Stellantis is planning a Dodge electrical muscle automotive, based mostly 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 as if a great match for a brand new characteristic designed to extend driver involvement, however we now know Stellantis goes a special route.

A Stellantis spokesperson confirmed to Motor Authority the manufacturing variant of the Charger SRT Daytona Idea will characteristic a multi-speed transmission. Meaning actual shift factors, not simulated ones. The transmission is considered one of of three patent-pending applied sciences on the idea which can be prone to see their strategy to a manufacturing automotive, 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 among the conduct of internal-combustion automobiles to make them extra partaking. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N has an N e-shift operate that Hyundai stated simulates the sensation of an 8-speed dual-clutch automated. Volkswagen has stated the ID.GTI electrical sizzling hatch idea may be programmed to behave like basic GTI fashions. Toyota can also be contemplating placing a bodily shifter and clutch pedal in an electrical sports activities automotive, albeit not linked to the driveline.

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