Honda is working on a simulated manual transmission for its electric vehicles (EVs). The system is designed with a gear stick and clutch pedal, aiming to recreate the feel of shifting gears in a traditional manual car.
Not Yet Confirmed
Unlike conventional transmissions, this setup is software-based, so there are no actual gears to shift. The technology mimics the experience without a physical mechanism.
During a test drive of a prototype from Honda’s upcoming 0-series EVs, a Honda engineer shared details of this new system with The Drive.
However, Honda has not yet confirmed whether this simulated manual transmission will be part of any production models, according to Boosted.
Manual transmissions are not necessary in EVs. Electric motors generate full torque at zero RPM, so EVs generally use single-speed transmissions with forward and reverse.
This setup is simple and efficient. Only a few models, like Porsche’s Taycan, use multi-speed gearboxes, with Porsche incorporating a two-speed transmission.
Simulated Manual Transmission
Honda’s simulated manual transmission could add a more hands-on experience for drivers.
Many EVs have faced criticism for delivering a driving experience that can feel overly smooth and, to some, even monotonous.
By offering a simulated manual mode, Honda aims to create a more engaging drive. Honda is not the only company exploring this direction.
Toyota is also developing a simulated manual transmission for its EVs, planning to introduce it in both Toyota and Lexus models.
Similarly, Hyundai has created software in its performance-oriented Ioniq 5 N that mimics shifts in an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, though it lacks a clutch pedal.
Not all car manufacturers are convinced by simulated gearboxes. Porsche and Alpine have both experimented with the concept for their electric models.
Ultimately, they decided against it, choosing instead to maintain the streamlined driving experience that EVs provide.
