Beyond Batteries: EV Transmission's Impact on Range and Efficiency
Discover how mechanical innovation boosts the range, efficiency, and sustainability of electric vehicles.
Cutaway view of EV motor
The electrifying world of electric vehicle (EV) innovations is driving us toward a sustainable and emissions-free future. Over the past five years, EV adoption has surged, but there's still a long road ahead to meet government-mandated goals for phasing out combustion vehicles. While much attention has been lavished on battery and electronic innovations in the EV sector, mechanical solutions have been overlooked. These innovations might not grab headlines, but they hold the potential to revolutionize EVs in ways that are efficient, practical, and cost-effective.
EVs have come a long way, but challenges remain. The compromises between performance and cost have been a persistent hurdle. Picture this: EVs designed for performance excel in one aspect of the operating torque-speed spectrum but falter in others, limiting their efficiency and overall range. The key challenge lies in improving the efficiency of EV powertrains across a broad range of operating conditions without compromising performance.
Single-speed EV transmission efficiency island
Current single-speed transmissions in EVs struggle to strike the right balance. For instance, climbing steep hills or hauling heavy loads can push the limits of efficiency, draining batteries faster than expected and impacting range. While the promise of better batteries and power electronics looms on the horizon, a new kind of EV transmission offers immediate performance improvements without waiting for breakthroughs in these technologies.
Ingear Transmission
Cutaway view of the Ingear two-speed transmission for EVs
Ingear is a groundbreaking two-speed EV transmission designed by Inmotive. This mechanical marvel shifts with precision and is the world's most efficient transmission, purpose-built for EVs. Unlike conventional single-speed transmissions, Ingear optimizes performance across the entire torque-speed range, enhancing acceleration, top speed, and, most importantly, efficiency.
Ingear's uniqueness lies in its geometry-based shifting, a departure from the conventional gear-shifting mechanisms. It enables electric motors to operate at peak efficiency, translating to remarkable benefits. The data tells an impressive story: Ingear can extend an EV's range by an average of 9%. This reduction in energy consumption means that EVs can travel farther with the same battery capacity, a game-changer for long journeys.
The increased efficiency of a two-speed EV transmission
Ingear's benefits extend to both city and highway driving. It can boost acceleration and top-speed performance by up to 15%, all while maintaining the efficiency of a single-speed transmission.
What sets Ingear apart is its purpose-built design for EVs, eliminating the need to adapt or modify transmissions from combustion vehicles. It's a cost-effective solution, with a low part count and the use of common materials. The savings ripple throughout the powertrain, yielding up to $1500 in net cost savings in other components, such as reduced motor or battery sizes. Efficiency testing conducted by a global tier 1 auto supplier and pricing analysis by RITE Consulting validates Ingear's potential. These findings represent real-world production costs at automotive volumes, making Ingear an attractive proposition for manufacturers seeking to optimize cost and performance.
The 9% efficiency improvement isn't just about savings; it's about reducing the environmental footprint. Less manufacturing, reduced electricity consumption per vehicle, and a higher adoption rate of EVs can lead to substantial carbon savings. Furthermore, this efficiency translates into direct savings for EV owners, putting money back into their pockets.
Woman charging EV
Inmotive's Ingear is a testament to the power of mechanical innovation in the EV industry. While batteries and electronics grab headlines, Ingear quietly paves the way for efficient, sustainable, and high-performance electric mobility. It's time to expand our horizons, recognizing that innovation in EVs is multifaceted.
As we look to the future, Inmotive envisions a world where mechanical innovations play a pivotal role in enhancing EVs. Our mission is to make EVs accessible, efficient, and affordable for all. Ingear represents a significant step toward this vision, and we're excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the electric vehicle landscape.
Join us on this journey to unlock the full potential of EVs, proving that innovation is not limited to batteries and electronics. It's about reimagining the mechanics that drive us forward.