New Structure for a 2-Pace Transmission: Compact But Environment friendly
The Lucid Air electrical sedan is already famend for its spectacular effectivity, however a latest patent submitting means that the automaker could also be exploring the choice of a 2-speed transmission for future fashions.
First famous by Motor1, the patent, filed in 2023, goals to reinforce the present drive-unit configuration, which employs two coaxial planetary gearsets. This design permits for a discount from motor velocity to wheel velocity whereas conserving house.
The patent outlines the potential use of a number of planetary gearsets to attain two distinct gear ratios. This method options tapered gear surfaces and depends on one-way clutches to facilitate the transition between gears.
Whereas most electrical autos usually forgo multi-speed transmissions, this matter has been beneath dialogue for a while. For instance, the unique Tesla Roadster was supposed to include a 2-speed gearbox; nonetheless, it was changed with a set reduction-gear setup after prototypes struggled to deal with the motor’s substantial torque.
Within the patent software, Lucid presents a rationale akin to previous statements made by CEO and CTO Peter Rawlinson concerning the absence of multi-speed items of their autos. The corporate notes that current gearboxes in electrical autos are sometimes advanced, occupy important house, could exhibit low effectivity, and might create inertia hundreds throughout shifting.
If Lucid can develop a element that minimizes house and effectivity loss whereas enabling using smaller, lighter motors, the mixing of such transmissions with the upcoming Atlas drive unit may lead to decreased prices and weight. Nonetheless, the corporate has not confirmed any direct connection between this patent and the Atlas system.
Lucid’s efforts in innovation are ongoing, as they attempt to advance electrical automobile know-how and facilitate the transition to sustainable transportation. In response to inquiries about potential functions for the patent, the corporate highlighted that defending distinctive mental property is a key side of the event course of, though they avoided commenting on particular future functions.
Rivals are additionally exploring multi-speed transmissions. The Porsche Taycan contains a 2-speed gearbox for its rear wheels, offering a steadiness between acceleration and high-speed effectivity. In the meantime, dual-motor variations of Tesla’s Mannequin S obtain related outcomes by utilizing motors with totally different gearing.
Wanting forward, Mercedes-Benz plans to include a 2-speed transmission in its next-generation MMA platform, which can assist a number of compact fashions beginning with the 2026 Mercedes CLA, supplied with each electrical and hybrid powertrains. It stays to be seen if Lucid will ultimately undertake extra gear ratios in future electrical autos.
