Judging by a patent recently submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Stellantis envisions a two-speed reduction gear for electric SUVs that could make them every bit as capable off-road as traditional ICE cars, Carbuzz reports.
Many modern EVs utilize basic single-stage gearboxes, but there are also exceptions like the Audi e-tron GT and the Porsche Taycan. Stellantis proposes adding an extra low-speed gear for SUVs and trucks like the Ram 1500 REV to be more maneuverable on rough terrain.
The new transmission design involves a pair of planetary mechanisms and independent clutches that can be activated on demand. The idea behind the design is that the low gear should help with ascending mountain trails and rocky slopes, while the high gear should work best for highway driving.
A while ago, the North American automobile giant shared some details regarding its SUV-friendly STLA Large platform. Its versatility lets designers create all manner of EVs based on it, with different body styles and wheelbases. In its ultimate form, the STLA Large chassis can accelerate the car from zero to 96 km/h (60 mph) in two seconds flat. Jeep and Dodge will be the first brands to introduce it to the market.