Ford Motor has applied for a patent for a new “Shifter Assembly for Electric Vehicles,” a system designed to mimic the operation of a traditional manual gear shift despite the absence of physical gears.
The patent, filed on March 20, 2025, under the number 2025/0092947 with the US Patent Office, describes a system that electronically adjusts an electric vehicle’s power output, rather than mechanically shifting gears as in an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.
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Unlike conventional gear shifts, which physically alter transmission ratios in ICE cars, Ford’s design is purely electronic. The patent outlines how the system would allow drivers to move the gear lever in a classic H-pattern or sequentially by pushing it back and forth within a shift gate.
Instead of changing gears, the mechanism would modulate the flow of electrical energy from the battery pack, influencing motor speed and torque. The goal is to provide a tactile driving experience similar to traditional manual transmissions, despite the fundamental differences in EV powertrains.
Ford also states that this system could be integrated across multiple vehicle types, including battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), conventional hybrids, and even fuel-cell vehicles. This suggests that the technology is intended to be adaptable, catering to drivers who prefer the engagement of a manual-style driving experience regardless of the propulsion system.
The concept of simulated manual transmission for EVs is not entirely new. In 2022, Toyota explored a similar idea by developing a simulated manual transmission that included a clutch pedal, adjusting torque delivery to imitate conventional gear shifting. Other automakers have also considered ways to recreate familiar driving sensations as EVs become more powerful and accelerate differently from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
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Ford’s patent application notes that “as electric vehicles increase in power, operators may desire alternative modes and capabilities of engagement with the electric vehicle.” This aligns with a broader trend in the industry—providing drivers with an emotional connection to their vehicles, even in an era of electrification. Whether this technology makes it to production remains to be seen, but it signals Ford’s commitment to blending traditional driving dynamics with modern EV performance.
Source: freepatentsonline.com , insideevs.com