- New structure for a 2-speed is likely to be mild and compact whereas sustaining effectivity
- May doubtlessly permit sturdy launch with a lower-cost motor unit
- Thought is likely to be due in future Lucid EVs, or engineers would possibly nonetheless be pondering it
The Lucid Air electrical sedan already achieves spectacular effectivity with its present drive unit, however the automaker is likely to 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 mandatory discount from motor velocity to wheel velocity whereas retaining packaging compact.
It describes using a number of planetary gearsets to attain two gear ratios, with a tapered gear floor on every respective gear plus a system of one-way clutches to modify between them.
Most electrical automobiles do with out multi-speed transmissions, however they’ve been a subject of debate for a while. The unique Tesla Roadster was supposed to make use of a 2-speed gearbox, however that was substituted for a set reduction-gear setup after prototypes did not deal with the motor’s copious torque.
Lucid 2-speed transmission. – U.S. patent
Lucid, within the patent software, considerably parallels explanations offered to Inexperienced Automobile Stories 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 couple of electric-vehicle fashions “are complicated mechanisms that take up vital area, they could have low effectivity and/or ship low preliminary torque, and so they place a major inertia load on the drivetrain (e.g., an extreme jerk when shifting).”
If such a part 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 – sure first for future midsize EVs
“Lucid constantly explores new concepts and develops technological improvements that would additional advance our electrical automobile expertise and assist speed up humanity’s transition to sustainable transportation and vitality,” the corporate acknowledged, in response to Inexperienced Automobile Stories’ query as as to if this patent is likely to 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 steadiness acceleration and high-speed effectivity. The ‘field has a low gear that helps ship extra torque from a standing begin, whereas retaining the rear motor and energy electronics cooler. The excessive gear routinely engages at a sure velocity threshold, or when the drive eases up on the accelerator (handbook shifting is not potential), and driving it gently can skip the low ratio totally.
In dual-motor variations of the Mannequin S, Tesla has used motors with totally different gearing to attain related targets. Volkswagen can also be assured that it will probably discover different methods to maximise effectivity. In a current interview with Inexperienced Automobile Stories, 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 can be offered with all-electric and hybrid powertrains. And maybe Lucid will observe via and embody an extra gear ratio in a few of its future EVs as effectively.
–with reporting by Bengt Halvorson
