- New format for a 2-speed could be mild and compact whereas sustaining effectivity
- May probably enable robust launch with a lower-cost motor unit
- Concept could be due in future Lucid EVs, or engineers may nonetheless be pondering it
The Lucid Air electrical sedan already achieves spectacular effectivity with its present drive unit, however the automaker could be 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 required discount from motor pace to wheel pace whereas protecting packaging compact.
It describes using 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 vehicles 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 hard and fast 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 utility, considerably parallels explanations supplied to Inexperienced Automobile Experiences up to now 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 element would not take up preliminary area or scale 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 repeatedly explores new concepts and develops technological improvements that might additional advance our electrical automobile expertise 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 if this patent could be linked 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 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 stated 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 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 completely.
In dual-motor variations of the Mannequin S, Tesla has used motors with completely different gearing to realize related objectives. Volkswagen can be assured that it could actually discover different methods to maximise effectivity. In a latest interview with Inexperienced Automobile Experiences, Kai Grünitz, VW’s head of worldwide analysis and growth, stated 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 likely be bought with all-electric and hybrid powertrains. And maybe Lucid will comply with by way of and embrace a further gear ratio in a few of its future EVs as properly.
–with reporting by Bengt Halvorson
