- New structure for a 2-speed is perhaps mild and compact whereas sustaining effectivity
- May doubtlessly permit sturdy launch with a lower-cost motor unit
- Concept is perhaps due in future Lucid EVs, or engineers would possibly nonetheless be pondering it
The Lucid Air electrical sedan already achieves spectacular effectivity with its current drive unit, however the automaker is perhaps contemplating a 2-speed transmission for potential future use, a patent submitting signifies.
The patent, first noticed by Motor1, was filed in 2023 and appears to construct on the present drive-unit setup, which makes use of two coaxial planetary gearsets to supply the mandatory discount from motor pace to wheel pace whereas protecting packaging compact.
It describes the usage of a number of planetary gearsets to realize two gear ratios, with a tapered gear floor on every respective gear plus a system of one-way clutches to change between them.
Most electrical automobiles do with out multi-speed transmissions, however they’ve been a subject of dialogue for a while. The unique Tesla Roadster was supposed to make use of a 2-speed gearbox, however that was substituted for a set reduction-gear setup after prototypes didn’t deal with the motor’s copious torque.
Lucid 2-speed transmission. – U.S. patent
Lucid, within the patent software, considerably parallels explanations offered to Inexperienced Automotive Stories previously from CEO and CTO Peter Rawlinson about why it hasn’t but used a multi-speed unit. Within the submitting, the corporate’s authors defined that the gearboxes already utilized in a number of electric-vehicle fashions “are complicated mechanisms that take up important area, they might have low effectivity and/or ship low preliminary torque, they usually place a major inertia load on the drivetrain (e.g., an extreme jerk when shifting).”
If such a part does not take up preliminary area or cut back effectivity, whereas permitting smaller, lighter motors, incorporating them with Lucid’s upcoming Atlas drive unit may feasibly repay in averted value and weight—though the corporate has made no claims as of but that this patent has something to do with Atlas.
Subsequent-generation Lucid Atlas drive unit – sure first for future midsize EVs
“Lucid constantly explores new concepts and develops technological improvements that might additional advance our electrical car know-how and assist speed up humanity’s transition to sustainable transportation and vitality,” the corporate acknowledged, in response to Inexperienced Automotive Stories’ query as as to whether this patent is perhaps related to Atlas and thus its future midsize fashions, initially. “Defending distinctive IP is a typical a part of the innovation and growth course of, although we will’t converse to potential future purposes of particular patents.”
2024 Lucid Air
The Porsche Taycan has a 2-speed gearbox for its rear wheels, which Porsche has mentioned helps steadiness acceleration and high-speed effectivity. The ‘field has a low gear that helps ship extra torque from a standing begin, whereas protecting the rear motor and energy electronics cooler. The excessive gear mechanically engages at a sure pace threshold, or when the drive eases up on the accelerator (handbook shifting is not potential), and driving it gently can skip the low ratio fully.
In dual-motor variations of the Mannequin S, Tesla has used motors with completely different gearing to realize related targets. Volkswagen can also be assured that it may discover different methods to maximise effectivity. In a current interview with Inexperienced Automotive Stories, Kai Grünitz, VW’s head of worldwide analysis and growth, mentioned the automaker nonetheless has no plans for 2-speed transmissions in EVs.
Mercedes-Benz, however, is utilizing a 2-speed transmission in its next-generation MMA platform, which is able to underpin 4 compact fashions beginning with the 2026 Mercedes CLA, which will probably be offered with all-electric and hybrid powertrains. And maybe Lucid will observe by way of and embrace an extra gear ratio in a few of its future EVs as nicely.
–with reporting by Bengt Halvorson
