Stellantis is planning a three-speed gearbox for EV off-roading

Stellantis is planning a three-speed gearbox to give its electric cars better off-road smarts. Yeehaw!

In the offing since October 2023, the carmaking MegaCorp's patent application has now been approved. The rather interesting tech involves three planetary gear sets – each doing the usual dance with a sun gear, ring gear and planetary carrier – plus three "selectively engagable" clutches that configure the system with a differential, and give 2-Lo, 4-Lo, 2-Hi or 4-Hi drive options, just as you’d get with an ICE off-roader.

The carmaker states how the single-speed transmission in typical electric cars is "unable to provide sustained high torque for trail and desert driving or various other speeds".

The mechanical trickery in this design – able to be mounted to the front, rear or both axles – is all about giving EVs the traction they need beyond the school runs and supermarket dashes. Heavy towing? Check. Vehicle recovery? Check. Low-speed crawling on fun-inducing gradients terrifying to the naked eye? You bet.

The drive system will not only help on snowy or sandy surfaces, it'll even help you tackle a bit of stump removal one Bank Holiday weekend. Fancy that.

Stellantis hasn't confirmed which model it's eyeing specifically for the gearbox, but we'd take a punt on the Jeep Avenger, Jeep Recon or even Fiat Grande Panda 4x4 being in the mix. What do you reckon?