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Ford is toying with the idea of putting a stick shift in an EV. It is an interesting idea because EVs don’t have gears or technically anything to shift, but the new gear shifter could imitate the feel of shifting through the gears to make the driver feel more involved in piloting the vehicle. The Daily Mail apparently uncovered the patent filing. Ford has two well known EVs, its Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning.
Why Bring Back a Stick Shift
Very few vehicles have manual transmissions now. Some, like my gas-powered SUV, have paddle shifters on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to change gears, if they want to be more involved.
According to the patent filing “Electric vehicles lack operator to vehicle physical feedback that is advantageous in conventional motor vehicles.” In other words, EVs are boring to drive. Sure, they are quick off the starting line, with instant torque. But once you are actually driving, EVs tend to get monotonous. According to the daily Mail, the patent filing reportedly shows “a traditional-looking shift lever mounted in a raised console, similar to the ones found in gas-powered sports cars. But instead of mechanical linkages, the system uses electronic signals to adjust the EV's driving feedback based on how the driver moves the stick.”
Why an EV Stick Shift Could Backfire
The irony to me is that Ford is talking about bringing back something that most people, especially young drivers, don’t know how to use. Recent surveys found that only about 18 percent of drivers know how to drive a manual transmission. Automakers sell very few vehicles with manuals, they are much more popular in Europe. States don’t require young people to know how to drive a manual transmission to get their license, so very few know how to manage one. I spoke with an 18-year-old recently and asked him about manual transmissions and he had never even heard of one. I doubt that it is a feature that would appeal to young drivers, but I could easily be wrong.
The Mustang Mach-E is the sportier vehicle of the two EVs that Ford sells. According to Ford, the Mach-E GT Performance Edition does 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. Depending on the battery, the Mach-E has an EPA-estimated range of up to 290 miles. Will a simulated manual transmission make it more fun to drive? I think only an experienced stick shift driver would even appreciate it. The vehicles don’t have clutches, so you don’t even have to worry about grinding the gears. You also don’t have to worry about leapfrogging and embarrassing yourself in front of your friends.
Will Ford Put Stick Shifts in EVs?
As of right now, Ford has no EV models planned with stick shifts. Ford told the Daily Mail “Submitting patent applications is a normal part of our business to protect new ideas and help build a robust portfolio of intellectual property. The ideas described within a patent application should not be viewed as an indication of our business or product plans.”
Obviously, Ford is looking for ways to entice customers into driving more EVs. I think it is always more fun to drive a vehicle that seems more like a race car. I’m not sure the stick shift will be the answer. Apparently, other automakers, like Hyundai and Toyota, are experimenting with similar ideas.
Ford Photo
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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