Ford has patented a system that uses a fake manual shifter in electric vehicles, aiming to recreate the feeling of shifting gears in manual transmission cars. The system, called Shifter Assembly For Electric Vehicle, includes a conventional gear stick installed in a box that links to actuators controlled by an electronic power controller. The patent demonstrates different manual transmission patterns, such as sequential up/down tracks and six-speed H-patterns, which could be dynamically altered through software.
The system also includes haptic feedback to replicate the physical sense of shifting gears, providing programmable resistance, gear engagement feel, and even buzziness that can be adjusted via the vehicle’s infotainment system. This technology can potentially be used in battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, conventional hybrids, and fuel-cell vehicles.
The goal of this system is to make electric vehicles more engaging and fun to drive, despite lacking the instant torque and sound of internal combustion engines. Electric vehicles can accelerate quickly, but the power delivery can be consistent and quiet, making long journeys less exciting. Ford’s fake manual system aims to combat this by providing a more dynamic driving experience.
While this concept is not new, as toy companies have explored simulated manual transmissions for electric vehicles, Ford’s take on it is unique. The technology has the potential to be versatile and adaptable to different propulsion types. For now, it remains unclear if this technology will go into production, but if it does, it could give electric vehicles a much-needed boost in terms of driving excitement.