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?
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Endlich mal. tolle Sache mit den 3 gängen beim e Antrieb weiter so dann wird's auch was mit dem Verkauf ohne zu naschen jetzt aber dann weiß ich wenigstens bei welcher marke ich als nächstes ein e Auto kaufe von stellantis.bin beeindruckt das die anfangen das zu bauen was die menchen brauchen und nicht nur so nen Margen Dreck. Klasse Sache.
It seems to me that Mercedes offers two speeds on the CLA to optimize fuel consumption. With this powertrain upgrade, it will be possible to offer decent ranges above 110 km/h without carrying a huge battery, which would be detrimental to roadholding. It remains to be done without compromising reliability.
Mir fällt dazu nur eine Frage ein:
WOZU?
Alle gängigen E Fahrzeuge, außer die bekannten Ausnahmen, kommen ohne Getriebe aus und verbrauchen trotzdem weniger Energie, wie die Stellantis Fahrzeuge.
Baut und programmiert effizientere Antriebe, dann braucht es kein Getriebe!
Stellantis' M3 and M4 engines are already very efficient. It seems to me that it's smarter to reduce consumption at high speeds with a gearbox than to put more batteries on board, especially when that's what costs the most and you want to reduce vehicle weight, environmental impact AND charging time. Today, Stellantis even offers batteries of 100kWh or more, which is nonsense.
Kein Kommentar zu solche Blödsinnigen Phrasen.
Ich habe mich lange schon gefragt, wieso nicht ein zweistufiges Getriebe, bei E-Autos eingebaut wird, wenn damit der Verbrauch auf Autobahnen drastisch sinkt. E-Motoren verbrauchen bei niedrigen Drehzahlen weniger Strom und haben dennoch die meiste Kraft. Ein dreistufiges Getriebe finde ich für Geländewagen ideal, für langsame Geschwindigkeiten. Es wird also höchste Zeit!
Interesting. However, contrary to what some people believe, the potential gain beyond a certain speed remains very small, a Max of 10% at 130 is estimated. It's not going to revolutionize range. And for the sake of the environment, it would be better to reduce maximum speed to 120 🙂 .
????