Method for shifting gears of an electric vehicle

A method for shifting gears from a first gear position to a second gear position of an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle comprising an electric motor operatively connected to a transmission for propelling the electric vehicle, the method comprising:

• selecting the second gear position;
• biasing an engagement member of the transmission away from a gear of the transmission corresponding to the first gear position,
• the gear having a receiving portion,
• the engagement member having an engaging portion received in the receiving portion of the gear, thereby engaging the engagement member and the gear;
• controlling the electric motor, by a motor controller, to apply a torque to the gear in a first direction;
• and
• in response to applying the torque to the gear in the first direction, uncoupling the engaging portion from the receiving portion such that:
• the engagement member is biased further away from the gear;
• and
• the engaging portion being separated from the receiving portion to disengage the gear from the engagement member.

A n electric vehicle comprising:

• an electric motor;
• a transmission operatively connected to and driven by the electric motor, the transmission having:
• a biasing member;
• a gear operably connected to the electric motor, the gear having a receiving portion;
• an engagement member operably connected to the biasing member to be biased towards the gear, the engagement member having an engaging portion configured to be received by the receiving portion of the gear;
• a driveshaft operatively connected to and driven by the electric motor via the transmission;
• at least one ground engaging member operatively connected to and driven by the driveshaft;
• a motor controller in communication with the electric motor, and in response to shifting gears of the electric vehicle, the motor controller being configured to:
• apply a torque to the gear in a first direction to align the engaging portion of the engagement member with the receiving portion such that:
• the engagement member is biased further toward the gear;
• and
• the engaging portion is received in the receiving portion to engage the engagement member with the gear.