Ford is reviving a beloved automotive feature, but with a high-tech twist.
According to the Daily Mail, Ford has announced plans to introduce simulated manual shifting mechanisms in electric vehicles to deliver a driving experience reminiscent of traditional manual transmissions.
This move taps into the nostalgia for gear-shifting while addressing modern vehicle technology. With a newly filed patent, Ford is looking to develop a system for electric vehicles (EVs) that simulates the tactile sensation of using a manual transmission. Published on March 20, this patent illustrates Ford's commitment to enhancing the emotional and physical connection between the driver and the electric vehicle.
The proposed system by Ford involves the use of electronic signals to mimic the manual gear-shifting experience, a hallmark of traditional gasoline-powered sports cars. Although it uses advanced technology, the operation remains surprisingly reminiscent of old-school driving, with a shift lever similar in appearance to those found in classic manual cars.
This development comes at a time when manual transmissions have nearly vanished from the American auto market. Data shows that while 25 to 30 percent of new cars in the U.S. had manual gearboxes in 1990, less than 1 percent featured them last year.
Ford's initiative addresses a common critique of electric vehicles — that they lack engaging physical feedback during operation. The tactile feedback of gear shifting could provide a more dynamic and enjoyable driving experience, potentially attracting enthusiasts who miss the interaction with their vehicle.
Currently, the knowledge of operating a stick shift is becoming increasingly rarer in the United States. Only about 18 percent of Americans still know how to use a manual transmission, a significant decline highlighted by a recent survey conducted by U.S. News and World Report.
This feature is intended not just to appeal to nostalgia but also to innovate. By integrating manual-like controls into EVs, Ford is preparing to meet the desires of a unique niche of automotive enthusiasts who crave a more hands-on driving experience.
This addition could play a vital role in distinguishing Ford's offerings in the rapidly expanding EV market. Ford CEO, Jim Farley, has previously shown a strong commitment to the EV sector by transforming iconic models like the F-150 and the Mustang into their electric counterparts.
The Mustang Mach-E, an all-electric version of Ford's classic Mustang, has notably outsold its gasoline-powered predecessor. With capabilities such as accelerating from zero to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, the Mach-E represents Ford's robust push into high-performance EVs.
Hyundai is another manufacturer exploring this area with its Ioniq 5 N, which features paddle shifters and simulated engine noises to enhance the sensory feedback for drivers. It shows a growing trend among auto manufacturers to blend traditional automotive elements with modern EV technology.
Ford's statement provided to DailyMail.com clarifies their stance on the patent filing: "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."
Ford has not yet specified which of its EV models will feature this new manual simulation technology. However, the innovation demonstrates Ford's ongoing efforts to evolve and potentially set new trends in the automotive industry.
Despite these advancements, the future of simulated manual transmissions in Ford's lineup remains to be determined. Their development represents a blend of heritage and innovation — a tribute to the past through the lens of future technology.
