General Motors’ transition to electric vehicles affords the automaker a wealth of opportunities to develop new technology, and with it, the human inputs needed to control that technology as well. For example, when it comes to shifting into gear, it appears as though GM EVs are moving towards a column-mounted stalk or lever. The column-mounted stalk is part of GM’s latest Electronic Precision Shift technology.
2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV
This column-mounted stalk control scheme can be found in a broad variety of GM EVs, including the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevy Blazer EV, Chevy Equinox EV, Chevy Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, and Cadillac Escalade IQ. The control type provides a few very important benefits, including more space in the cabin for cupholders and storage, as well as infotainment controls. In addition, the column-mounted stalk control layout frees up the center stack for larger infotainment screens and improved air vent positioning.
Notably, the column-mounted stalk control layout is also available in new ICE-powered models like the 2024 Chevy Traverse.
In order to operate the column-mounted stalk control, the user must push the spring-loaded lever up or down to select Drive or Reverse, and pull the lever towards themselves to shift into Neutral. Pressing the button puts the vehicle in Park.
Cadillac Escalade IQ
This control layout is part of GM’s Electronic Precision Shift Technology (EPRS) suite, which includes a broad variety of different control types, such as a joystick-style shifter, and a push-pull-style array of buttons as well. As GM Authority covered previously, most GM models now use Electronic Precision Shift. A few applications of the different EPRS control types would include the Cadillac CT4, which equips the joystick-style shifter, and the Chevy Corvette C8, which equips the push-pull-style button shifter.
Per previous GM Authority coverage, EPRS technology was first made available in the 2016 Cadillac CT6. In addition to providing more space for infotainment features and storage, EPRS-equipped ICE-vehicles also provide reduced noise and vibration, a smoother, more precise shifting behavior, and reduced overall weight.
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Comments
Column mounted stalk shifters have been the standard for 100 years, what’s new?
Carl, yes “Column Shifters” have been tech 100 yrs ago.
So are the engineers today are just lazy & just recycling 100 yrs tech. Or they these tech-engineers 100yrs old are still alive and working @ GM ??? Lol
These “shifters” are actually 100 % electronic now as opposed to the old mechanical column shifters. The old shifters were also shifting mechanically and then later on electronically at the transmission but the new column mounted shifters are all electronic. Look at what Mercedes has been doing for years now. Electronic shifting is fine whether on the column or on the dash.
Maybe next they’ll put buttons on the dash and claim its a new idea.
I had a Subaru salesman try making a big deal about their automatic brake engagement when stopped on an up-ward hill. My reply was, “Just like my nana’s ’47 Studebaker!”
It would be great if, when you moved the column stalk down and close to you, that would be first gear.. then up and towards the dash 2nd.. then down and towards the dash the driver, 3rd. 😉
Electric cars don’t shift at all because they have only one gear.
First, it was a joke as growing up we had several “3 on the tree” manual vehicles. Second, some EVs do have more than one gear.. Porsche Taycan and the Audi e-Tron are a few examples.
most people on this board dont have a clue what three on the tree means just like my comment of push buttons on the dash . that was a joke also.
I remember them all. Push buttons on the dash and Edsel in the steering wheel. Also remember vacuum wipers that stopped wiping when you increased engine speed! LOL
I knew what you meant with your original statement. “GM Owner” is prob to young to remember 3 on the tree and had to google it to find out what it is.
Thank you Gm, now get rid of the pushbutton shifter on the GMC Terrain, I HATE IT.
The Terrain is coming up for a refresh pretty soon. Let’s see if they do an extensive refresh like the Equinox. You can see some pics of that leaked from China, but unfortunately no interior pics. If the Traverse has it, along with the new Chevy EVs, I see no reason it won’t be in this as well.
You beat me to it…Why do they always try to reinvent the wheel. More cups holders, horray! Homer Simpson would be happy..
Cause the wheel is broken. No one touches the gear selector except for 3 times a drive and and maybe two extra when living in the mountains and going down a large downhill slope. Otherwise they get in the way on the console in more ways than 1. I would be fine with an actual column shifter, but no, people thought that was too dated and old school looking. I am good for anything that gets the shifter off the console unless it is a manual.
Or, some four-on-the-tree: push the lever toward the dash till you bark your knuckles on it, then pull down to get reverse. :-{)}}}
What I don’t like is how every application is different in it operations. My wife’s 2019 Enclave requires different interactions with the shifter (console mounted) than my FIL’s 2023 XT5. Similar shifter but different movements to do the same thing. Why can’t that be standardized?
Even this newer style of column mounted shifter is confusing. Why up to go into drive? The old column shifters were down initially to get into drive and then back up two to get to reverse. If they wanted to simulate that then the new control is backwards in my mind.
This largely is due to what is seen on lots of industrial equipment with hydrostatic drives or “shuttle shift”. Its very intuitive.
Im still not sold on it as i keep my cars till the wheels fall off, and the current column shifts have a mechanical backup that if the electronics fail, you can at least get the car into reverse, forward and park. Granted forward is only 3rd gear but thats enough to get you to a shop, or in my case home to troubleshoot.
TFL truck has a video of what happens when EPShift fails on their mew hummer EV. Its criminal.
It always seems american companies are behind on new tech probably to save a buck. i.e. Every time I drive up near a foreign named car they all seem to have the side mirror light come on noting another object by the side of the car and on more models than luxury ones unlike american cars that seem to yet have this feature on any or all their models and if so as an up pricing cost when it seems most prevalent on foreign brand cars though many made here now.
Chrysler used to be the innovation leader with the “hemi” engine, power brakes power steering, the alternator etc. Once these new technologies became accepted by the automotive public, GM jumped on board.
GM really has their head up their A$$ on this one. Do they not realize how many people are going to move the lever down, thinking it is in drive, and step on the gas and hit whatever is behind them? GM will be changing this around as part of a massive recall, all due to their ignorance. For many many decades the column mounted shifter has been down for forward and than up for reverse. Now GM, in all their stupidity wants to change that 180 degrees. GM, this move is going to cost you lots of money, but you are to stupid to realize it as of yet. MARY, what a great job you are doing….. NOT !
Like anything it will take a time or two to get used it but it will be second nature. People said the same thing about the knob in the Dodges.
Mary is doing a great job, have you seen how they are doing compared to the competitors? The stock prices and profits? She is not the problem…
I think it’s a typo in the article. If you look at the image of the Equinox EV in the article (click “open image in new tab” to blow it up), it clearly shows that in and up is “R”, and in and down is “D”
Great catch Avenir. I do see that in the picture and it appears the editor restated the article to align.
Great idea, this is how an electronic shifter should work. Maybe add a function for sport or shift lockout modes so you don’t also have to us a drive mode selector to get what you want, like if already in drive, down or up(whichever is the direction for drive) puts it in that mode and you use paddles to shift. Easy, intuitive, and separate from other controls so no accidents can occur, saves room and can be used for any automatic, EV, or other fuel type. Now allow us to retrofit it into the T1XX Tahoe’s, Suburban’s and the like.