Just For Fun, Toyota is Developing an EV With a Manual Transmission

Toyota engineers are working on a unique feature for electric cars – a realistic fake manual transmission.

Although a manual transmission on an electric vehicle serves no functional purpose, it is being developed as an add-on for those who enjoy shifting gears in gasoline-powered cars.

Toyota, known for its skepticism towards electric vehicles, is planning a more aggressive entry into the sector. To attract a wider range of consumers, including those who prefer the feel of traditional cars, this feature could prove enticing.

In the United States, most gasoline-powered cars sold today come with automatic transmissions, eliminating the need for driver input. Manual transmissions are typically offered as options in performance cars or extremely affordable models.

However, they are more prevalent in other regions, particularly in Europe.

Electric cars, on the other hand, typically have one-speed transmissions due to the high-speed rotation of their electric motors, which do not require varying gear ratios at different speeds.

According to a recent patent application filed by Toyota in the United States, their approach to a fake manual transmission does not involve an actual multi-speed transmission.

Instead, sensors and a central computer would be connected to a shifter to replicate the sensation of driving a car with a manual transmission.

The central computer would be programmed to mimic the experience of a specific type of manual transmission car, as different cars possess various engines and transmissions with varying gear ratios.

Additionally, drivers would have a clutch pedal in addition to the brake and accelerator pedals.
The virtual manual transmission developed by Toyota would even allow drivers to perform engine braking, commonly known as downshifting.

By selecting a lower gear and releasing the clutch pedal without pressing the gas pedal, the friction of the unpowered engine would decelerate the car without requiring the use of brakes.

Toyota’s simulated manual transmission aims to realistically replicate poor shifting technique up to a certain extent.

If the driver fails to give enough gas or selects the wrong gear, the car will shake and buck, simulating the behavior of a traditional manual transmission vehicle. The car’s computer will limit the intensity of the shaking to avoid placing stress on the battery.

It’s worth noting that drivers can choose not to use the fake manual transmission if they prefer. The car will offer two driving modes: a regular EV mode and the faux-manual mode.

Although some reports have mentioned the inclusion of fake engine sounds to enhance the shifting and acceleration experience, the patent application does not explicitly mention it.

The availability of the fake-shifting EV, as well as its potential release timeline and market availability, remains unclear.