Don’t anticipate an electric vehicle from Porsche to feature a system that replicates the experience of a gas-powered car with multi-gear transmission.
While Hyundai has implemented such a system in its Ioniq 5 N and a handful of other manufacturers are considering it, Porsche has taken a different stance.
In a recent interview with Drive published on Monday, Porsche test driver Lars Kern revealed that the company explored the possibility of incorporating this technology into their sporty electric vehicles but ultimately rejected it on the grounds that it contradicts their goal of achieving maximum speed.
“We certainly monitor what our competitors are doing, but our philosophy is, why make something inferior?” he stated.
Kern further explained that since Porsche still produces models with gasoline engines and multi-gear transmissions, it is illogical to attempt to mimic that sensation in electric vehicles.
Lars Kern
“We don’t aim to fabricate the experience of a combustion engine since we still manufacture them, so it seems pointless,” he remarked.
Hyundai’s innovative system, called the N e-shift, simulates the sensations of an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission by intentionally cutting off power and torque delivery from the electric drive, replicating the jolt felt during gear shifts in a gas car. In a more advanced approach, Toyota has created a system that mimics a manual transmission, complete with a clutch, which they may apply to both their own vehicles and those from Lexus.
Other manufacturers are also planning to include artificial engine sounds in their electric models, such as Dodge with its Charger Daytona.
Though these technologies might appear to be mere gimmicks, BMW M chief Frank van Meel has acknowledged that they provide valuable feedback to drivers, particularly in racetrack scenarios. He noted that driving an electric vehicle with a single gear and minimal sound on a track can make it difficult for drivers to judge their speed.
Porsche’s current range of electric vehicles features the Taycan and a revamped Macan. Next on the agenda is an electric version of the 718 sports car, followed by an electric Cayenne and a new electric SUV that will be positioned above the Cayenne, according to the latest updates from the automaker.
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