Ford has filed a patent for a guide gear shifter designed particularly for electrical automobiles. Printed on March 20, the patent outlines a “Shifter Meeting For Electrical Automobile” that replicates the texture of a conventional stick shift — with out truly altering gears.
As an alternative of mechanical linkages, the setup makes use of actuators and an digital energy controller to change motor output as the motive force goes by means of the simulated gears. Power suggestions motors within the base of the lever present vibration and resistance, mimicking the feeling of shifting in a combustion-powered automotive. Ford’s transfer follows comparable efforts by Hyundai with its Ioniq 5 N and Toyota’s simulated stick prototypes within the Lexus RZ. Whereas EVs don’t want gears, the tech goals to spice up driver engagement, particularly for lovers nostalgic for the tactile really feel of driving a guide.
On the time of writing, Ford has not revealed any specifics on when this tech can be built-in into its mannequin lineups. Whereas nonetheless only a patent filed in 2023, the idea might sign a future the place EVs attraction to stick-shift lovers — with out the stalls.
