- New structure for a 2-speed is likely to be gentle and compact whereas sustaining effectivity
- May doubtlessly permit robust launch with a lower-cost motor unit
- Concept is likely to be due in future Lucid EVs, or engineers may nonetheless be pondering it
The Lucid Air electrical sedan already achieves spectacular effectivity with its current drive unit, however the automaker is likely to be contemplating a 2-speed transmission for attainable 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 required discount from motor pace to wheel pace whereas protecting packaging compact.
It describes the usage of a number of planetary gearsets to attain 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 debate 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 supplied to Inexperienced Automobile Experiences 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 couple of electric-vehicle fashions “are advanced mechanisms that take up important house, they could have low effectivity and/or ship low preliminary torque, they usually place a big inertia load on the drivetrain (e.g., an extreme jerk when shifting).”
If such a part would not take up preliminary house or cut back effectivity, whereas permitting smaller, lighter motors, incorporating them with Lucid’s upcoming Atlas drive unit might 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 – certain first for future midsize EVs
“Lucid constantly explores new concepts and develops technological improvements that would additional advance our electrical car know-how and assist speed up humanity’s transition to sustainable transportation and power,” the corporate acknowledged, in response to Inexperienced Automobile Experiences’ query as as to whether this patent is likely to be related to Atlas and thus its future midsize fashions, initially. “Defending distinctive IP is a typical a part of the innovation and improvement course of, although we are able to’t communicate to potential future functions of particular patents.”
2024 Lucid Air
The Porsche Taycan has a 2-speed gearbox for its rear wheels, which Porsche has mentioned helps stability 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 routinely engages at a sure pace threshold, or when the drive eases up on the accelerator (handbook shifting is not attainable), and driving it gently can skip the low ratio completely.
In dual-motor variations of the Mannequin S, Tesla has used motors with completely different gearing to attain comparable objectives. Volkswagen can be assured that it will probably discover different methods to maximise effectivity. In a latest interview with Inexperienced Automobile Experiences, Kai Grünitz, VW’s head of worldwide analysis and improvement, mentioned the automaker nonetheless has no plans for 2-speed transmissions in EVs.
Mercedes-Benz, alternatively, is utilizing a 2-speed transmission in its next-generation MMA platform, which can 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 comply with via and embody an extra gear ratio in a few of its future EVs as effectively.
–with reporting by Bengt Halvorson
