Stellantis registers a surprising patent: a gearbox for electric cars!

Whereas the majority of current electric cars rely on single-ratio transmissions, Stellantis has just applied for, and received, a patent that could well change the game. The Italian-French-American group has been officially recognized by the US Patent Office (USPTO) for the invention of a three-speed gearbox for electric vehicles. Such an unexpected breakthrough marks a new stage in the evolution of zero-emission powertrains.

Why a gearbox on an electric car?

Most electric vehicles use a simple single-gear transmission. This solution is well suited to urban use and guarantees immediate torque, but shows its limits as soon as you go off the beaten track or seek to optimize fuel consumption at high speed.

Stellantis responds to these constraints with a three-speed gearbox integrated into its Electric Drive Module (EDM). According to the patent, the technology enables three modes of operation:

• 1st gear (low range): maximum torque mode, ideal for power starts, off-road driving, snow or steep slopes.
• 2nd gear: for everyday use, combining flexibility and efficiency.
• 3rd gear (direct drive): a freeway mode with a 1:1 ratio to reduce fuel consumption and increase range.

The best part: you can switch from 2nd to 3rd gear without any torque interruption, for smooth, dynamic driving.

The gearbox, after the tailpipe

This patent is one of a series of atypical innovations from Stellantis. In February 2025, the group had already filed an astonishing patent for... an exhaust system for electric cars. Far from being a gadget, this system was designed to evacuate the flammable gases generated in the event of thermal rupture of the battery, in order to limit the risk of fire.

For more versatile electric cars

With this patented gearbox, Stellantis seems intent on reconciling the well-known mechanics of combustion-powered vehicles with the advantages of electric power. Offering a real solution for electric 4×4s, while guaranteeing maximum efficiency on the freeway, is an ambitious but pertinent gamble.

While no specific date or model has yet been announced for the launch of this technology, it is highly likely that it will be incorporated into the next generation of EVs from the Group's brands, perhaps Jeep or RAM?