Ford is looking to save the manuals while pushing towards the future.
As the automotive industry continues its push towards electrification and a more efficient way of mobility, consumers, and more specifically passionate gearheads, worry that too much tech will kill the spirit of driving. And while manufacturers like Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren, and Lamborghini have found common middle ground by fitting their supercars and hypercars with hybrid-assisted powertrains to gain extra horsepower, there’s still the topic of how manual transmission gearboxes are still on the chopping block for most brands. Ford is making waves in automotive news as it recently filed an application for a U.S. Patent to explore the possibility of fitting EVs with manual transmissions.
Originally filed on September 15th, 2023, and officially published last week on March 20th, the patent titled “Shifter Assembly For Electric Vehicle” breaks down a modern-day manual’s basic design characteristics and functions. Reading the abstract of Ford Global Technologies, LLC’s patent loosely translates to the manufacturer confirming its understanding of how this can happen and that it’s ready to take the next necessary steps to develop, engineer, and test the theory. Now, this doesn’t exactly mean that Ford will be launching manual Mustang Mach-Es or F-150 Lightnings next year, but it is a step in the right direction for those wondering what will happen to the future of 6-speeds. View all Fords for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below.
Source: JUSTIA Patents
