Stellantis Files Patent for Two-Speed Transmission in Electric Off-Roaders
Stellantis, the multinational automotive manufacturer formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA, has taken a significant step in the electric vehicle industry with the filing of a patent for a two-speed gearbox designed specifically for electric off-roaders.
Electric vehicles, due to their ability to generate large amounts of torque from zero rpm, often do not require multi-speed transmissions. The torque multiplication provided by gears is unnecessary, and the transmission loss from adding gears is usually not worth it. However, there are exceptions to this trend. For instance, the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT are electric vehicles equipped with two-speed transmissions. Even though these cases are rare, they have sparked interest in exploring the potential for multi-speed transmissions in electric vehicles.
Stellantis’ patent application signals the company’s ambition to capitalize on the growing prominence of electric vehicles in the automotive industry. With electric vehicles likely to dominate car model ranges— including pickup trucks and off-road SUVs—Stellantis recognizes the need for innovative features that will set its vehicles apart. The emergence of sleek electric vehicles in the market implies that Stellantis’ brand Jeep, renowned for its off-road capabilities, must adapt and offer an edge in off-road performance.
Traditionally, vehicles with internal combustion engines have used multi-speed gearboxes in their transfer cases to accommodate low-speed, high-torque operation required for off-road driving. However, electric vehicles with single-speed gearboxes may struggle to provide sustained high-torque. This is where Stellantis’ patented two-speed transmission stands out. The potential application of this technology could incorporate an on-road gear and an off-road gear, allowing for efficient performance both on and off the road.
Furthermore, the transmission proposed by Stellantis would consist of two sets of planetary gears, which would enable the electric SUV to achieve specialized maneuvers, such as tank-like turning. The patent application suggests that this technology could be particularly well-suited for a vehicle like the Jeep Wrangler, given its off-road prowess.
Despite the potential benefits of the two-speed gearbox, Stellantis’ patent application does not guarantee the immediate implementation of the technology in its products. The company may choose to explore other innovative features or prioritize the development of other technologies. However, the patent application demonstrates Stellantis’ commitment to exploring new possibilities in the electric vehicle realm and will likely spark further innovation in the industry.
The potential implementation of the two-speed gearbox could open up new possibilities for electric vehicles’ off-road capabilities. Furthermore, the application has the potential to redefine off-road driving experiences, making electric vehicles more appealing to consumers seeking adventure and unprecedented performance.
As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, companies like Stellantis are at the forefront of driving innovation and redefining the automotive landscape. With the increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance electric vehicles, the exploration of advanced technologies like the two-speed gearbox could revolutionize the capabilities of electric off-roaders and shape the future of electric vehicles.
