Alfa Romeo Dodge eMobility Stellantis Technology

Bridging the Gap: Replicating Traditional Driving Sensations in EVs

Dodge Won't Be The Only Brand Getting The New Technology...

Robert S. Miller October 5, 2023

Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Banshee Concept. (Dodge).

In a bold move, Stellantis, the parent company of well-known automotive brands like Dodge and Alfa Romeo, has filed a patent that could potentially revolutionize the driving experience of electric vehicles (EVs). This innovative system aims to introduce the sensation of traditional gear shifts and driving modes into the world of fully electric automobiles. With the acknowledgment that current EVs may lack a certain level of engagement, Stellantis is stepping up to address this concern head-on.

Central to Stellantis’ patent is a complex system comprising a set of sensors and a controller for the electric drive module (EDM). The EDM incorporates a gear system intricately linked to an electric motor, directing drive torque to the EV’s driveline. The ingenious aspect of this technology lies in its ability to replicate the nuanced shift patterns of a conventional transmission with four or more speeds, a feature notably absent in most EVs.

While single-speed transmissions in most EVs excel in delivering smooth acceleration and refined commuting experiences, they often fall short in captivating the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. Stellantis acknowledges this sentiment, recognizing that the absence of a traditional shifting experience can lead to a monotonous and uninspiring drive. This patent represents a substantial step towards addressing this concern.

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The brilliance of Stellantis’ technology extends to a range of customizable driving modes, each tailored to cater to specific driving preferences. Enthusiasts can now look forward to modes like Drift, Sand, Mud, Snow, Rock, and Baja, offering a tailored experience for diverse terrains. This development is particularly promising for off-road enthusiasts and adventurers.

The system intelligently responds to driver input, offering both manual and automatic shift options. Paddle shifters enable manual gear changes, providing a sense of control and engagement akin to traditional transmissions. Furthermore, the technology is designed to intuitively adapt to acceleration patterns, ensuring a seamless and dynamic driving experience.

Stellantis’ forward-thinking approach does not stop at simulated gear shifts. The technology also opens the door to additional possibilities, including adjustable front-to-rear torque distribution and torque vectoring. These features promise to enhance the driving dynamics further, allowing drivers to fine-tune their experience to suit their preferences.

Source: CarBuzz

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TripleT Oct 05, 2023 #1

To off road and tow they need to take advantage of torque with a transmission. Also would be better for a track car.

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vbondjr1 Oct 05, 2023 #2

it'll be interesting to finally see what is actually coming for the next gen vehicles. Hopefully Stellantis will be successful in whatever they do

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bill burke Oct 06, 2023 #3

Just the thought that Dodge would go to these lengths to replicate the “feel” of a gas powered muscle car is proof positive they realize their customer base is not interested in electric vehicles. Just like Ford, instead of investing in gimmicks, they should invest in a next generation “clean” V8. The green walls of the climate hysteria hoax are crumbling as I write and billions have been wasted in the rush to electric. Sure it is a viable alternative for some, but the vast majority want choice, not windmills and solar panels. This hysteria is manufactured and driven by political not scientific reasons and folks are now catching on to the game. No thanks government types! Dodge is being central corporate driven, is making a valiant effort to retain its base, but would be better served by giving folks what they want, the real thing, not gimmicks.

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vbondjr1 Oct 06, 2023 #4

Don't they already have multi-speed transmissions for EV out there? I think it's Bosch that has been working on CVT transmissions for Electric Vehicles so why not use them? The EV thing isn't completely terrible and for those who want to try something, yeah sure why not? Me personally I'm waiting for the hurricane powertrains in hopes that Direct Connection will have some cool upgrades for both the Standard and High Output variants, but I do think that Dodge is taking a cool approach to the EV movement by offering something for even that market. I think the whole over the air updates for the Direct Connection power packs it a little dumb but other than that, the Daytona EV options have the potential to be decent and fun. A "clean" V8 is cool for sure and it would be nice if Dodge had an offering for every market possible. I'm not really a Ford fan but they had a great idea with the Ecoboost engines and how they pretty much took over everything that they sell and how it offsets the 5.0L/5.2L V8. Crazy thing is some of the ecoboost V6 engines are more powerful than some variants of the 5.0L v8. As I said before if a 3.0L Hurricane HO can make 510hp/500tq or better, what could a 3.8L Hurricane produce? As it stands, the HO outpowers the 5.7 and the 6.1L Hemi and the HO outpowers the 6.4L. Even the 2.0L Hybrid matches the 5.7L in Horsepower and an early 6.4L torque. A clean Hybrid, twin turbo V8 with maybe 4.7L would be cool for sound and would satisfy the Hellcat crowd but would be so astronomically priced it'd have to be a low production powertrain, especially with them getting into the EV market, which is going to be a low-to-medium volume market for awhile until things really kick off. If they ever do. Two of Ram's competitors have already moved to mid 3-liter displacement twin turbo V6 and V6 twin turbo hybrid powertrains so it makes sense for Stellantis to follow suit. The Camaro is gone so there is only one performance competitor that is left for the Dodge brand that actually has a V8 and that is the smaller, lighter Mustang. Right now, survival for the brand means adapting. Whatever the driving force behind this change in the industry is currently irrelevant. Granted our near future isn't going to be the complete take over of EVs, but I don't think it will be the Hemis and Hellcats we know right now either. Having a large displacement I-6 twin turbo pushing 650+ hp would be bonkers with AWD. Just my humble opinion. The Hurricane powertrains are going to be a better look for Dodge. But we'll have to wait and see what's really going to happen.

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