FAQ

The shift completes in less than one revolution of the wheel. Segments move rapidly during a window of opportunity when they are not contacting the chain, and the motor speed changes during part of a rotation of the wheels, anywhere between a quarter and three quarters of a rotation, depending on the selection of Ingear design.

EV drivers expect very smooth acceleration, all the way from zero to top-speed. Ingear delivers this experience because the motor is continuously powering the wheels, even during a shift. Using torque-fill algorithms, shifts are unnoticeable in everyday driving modes, but can be dialed up to be noticed (if desired) in ‘sports’ mode. Because all EV motor controller transistors must switch completely on and off thousands of times per second, instantaneous torque is available from EV motors within milliseconds. This allows Inmotive engineers to use advanced software to control the motors precisely during the rapid shift event.

Yes, regeneration functions properly. The shift strategy can be optimized to maximize regeneration compared to a single-speed. Using Inmotive’s proprietary tensioner technology, the motor and inverter regenerate electrical power to the battery while the vehicle decelerates in HI gear and LO gear, and the downshift will not be noticed by the driver or passengers.

Yes, the Ingear pre-production prototype uses the BorgWarner HY-VO chain. A chain of this type is slightly more efficient than the helical gear it replaces.

Modern chains are efficient, quiet and reliable. They are used in many automotive powertrains including some with very quiet electric-only driving modes.

The Ingear design keeps the chain within the manufacturer’s tolerances. Inmotive has completed accelerated lifetime testing under load, with no detectable chain wear.

Lubrication needs are no different than those of the second reduction gear being replaced. It is expected that the sealed system will last the life of the vehicle.

The Ingear design can accommodate a wide range of gear ratios.

The Ingear design scales to multi-speed applications. Simulations of EV passenger cars indicate that two gears provides the optimal balance between efficiency and performance vs cost and size.

Ingear is protected by a collection of patents granted and pending in many countries around the world including the US, EU, Japan, China, Mexico and Canada.