Toronto-based Inmotive announced it is moving into the second phase of its joint development agreement with Suzuki to develop an Ingear two-speed electric vehicle transmission.

The transmission would be used in future Suzuki electric vehicles.

The initial phase of the development agreement between the two companies, established in January 2023, was meant to determine the viability and compatibility of the Ingear EV transmission with future Suzuki electric vehicles.

“Our teams spent the past year working closely to prepare and validate the Ingear for full implementation into a future EV model,” said Inmotive CEO Paul Bottero in a news release. “The first phase of development was a meaningful step for both sides, with significant collaboration and approaches to problem solving, making steady progress, and we look forward to working jointly on the next phase of development.”

Now, the companies are ready to continue the joint development.

Inmotive says the Ingear is the world’s most efficient two-speed transmission designed specifically for electric vehicles. It features a compact and simple design and can improve electric vehicle cost, range and efficiency, the company says. It can extend EV range by up to 15 per cent and improve acceleration by up to 15 per cent, the company says.

The Ingear could be used in passenger cars and other vehicles, including motorcycles, ATVs and marine vehicles, the company says, and Suzuki is exploring the potential of the transmission beyond the passenger car.

“The unique design and performance advantages really lends to a multitude of uses,” said Bottero in the release.

Inmotive is headquartered in Toronto, Ont. and has offices in Europe and China. More information is available at inmotive.com.