It can be deployed and works both as a sequential shifter or a complete six-speed manual. Unfortunately, it lacks real gears for shifting.

Electric vehicles possess significantly distinct drivetrains compared to those powered by internal combustion engines; however, this isn’t deterring manufacturers from attempting to replicate the driving experiences familiar to most motorists. For instance, Ford’s recent patent filing, disclosed on March 20, outlines details regarding a manual transmission system designed specifically for electric cars. It goes without saying that such an invention won't involve gear changes as seen in conventional setups—yet achieving similar driver feedback remains their objective.

The patent—titled Assembly for Shifting Mechanism in an Electric Vehicle —features an authentically vintage shift lever installed inside a box. Were this a shifter intended for something like a Ford Mustang Dark Horse, it would typically be mounted on the transmission tunnel and connected through mechanical linkages to a six-speed gearbox.

In this setup, it merely rests on an elevated part of the floor and interacts with several actuators controlled by an electronic power management system. As described in the patent, this system "regulates the distribution of electric energy from the battery pack, managing both the motor speeds and the torque generated by each motor."

To put it differently, when you move the control lever back and forth, this action sends signals to adjust the power output from the electric vehicle’s motor (or multiple motors). This process emulates the gear changes found in traditional transmissions. Of course, this might make your EV seem less powerful because the output is periodically reduced, yet that isn’t the primary objective.

Ford is not the only one experimenting with this concept; Hyundai was the first to introduce it. with the Ioniq 5 N , featuring simulated paddle shifters designed to provide gas car-like experiences perfect for a track day or winding through back roads. Toyota is also exploring a comparable approach with the new model. Lexus RZ , and we have tested prototypes in Japan that utilize a virtual joystick —equipped with a clutch and stall-outs. Nevertheless, it’s uncertain whether the manual shift option will be implemented in any production models; paddle shifts appear more probable for regular use.

Thanks to their instantaneous start-up without the hindrance of gears, electric vehicles (EVs) are currently the fastest mass-produced cars globally. However, this comes at the cost of reduced driver involvement, which isn’t as engaging compared to driving a car like a Miata or an older pickup truck with a long stick shift. The transmission can be set up for sequential shifting or operate following a traditional six-speed setup.

Regarding Ford's electric vehicle shifter, it doesn’t simply operate automatically. The base includes tiny motors that deliver force feedback via the gearshift lever. This allows for vibrations similar to those from a rough-running 6.2-liter V-8 engine in a Camaro. Additionally, moving among the “gears” offers tactile resistance akin to shifting gears manually. While this feature might seem interesting, it also comes off as somewhat gimmicky. And since Most electric vehicles lack transmissions. The complete assembly can be pulled back if you prefer regular driving. Those who have previously struggled with squeezing past a large console to switch seating positions will surely value this feature.

So far, this concept exists only as a patent. The initial filing dates back to 2023, indicating that Ford has had this idea for quite some time. However, whether it will actually come to life remains uncertain. This initiative might serve as an attractive option to draw conventional car lovers towards electric vehicles.

Manual EVs:

• This Vintage Porsche 356A Is Now Electric—But Retains a manual Transmission
• Toyota's EV Manual Transmission Compared to Hyundai Ioniq 5 N's Virtual Dual Clutch: A Comparison
• I Test-Drove Toyota's Manual-Transmission Electric Vehicle. It's Way More Enjoyable Than You'd Expect.
• Lexus Verifies Manual Transmission for Electric Vehicles; LFA successor Might Feature It