Porsche is now contemplating the use of artificial gear shifts in its electric vehicles after previously opposing the idea.

      Porsche

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      Last year, Porsche generated some discussion when one of its development drivers remarked to the press that “fake” EV gear shifts served no real purpose. However, from our experience driving the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, it’s evident that a lack of practical utility doesn’t necessarily render it unnecessary. In fact, it can enhance the overall experience. In other words, we find that when implemented correctly, fake gears in EVs can be enjoyable.

      Porsche's viewpoint is understandable from an engineering standpoint. After all, shifting gears in internal combustion engines momentarily interrupts power delivery. When accelerating, this delay is undesirable. Thus, in electric motors, which do not require such a mechanism, it seems logical to eliminate it, right?

      During a recent preview drive of the Cayenne EV prototype, The Drive’s Kyle Cheromcha persuaded Porsche’s Sascha Niesen to accompany him for a ride. Niesen oversees Porsche’s prototype fleet, and according to him, the company's attitude towards this concept may have softened.

      Sascha Niesen, Porsche’s manager for Cayenne prototype validation.

      In fact, Porsche is not only open to this idea but has also developed a prototype with a simulated eight-speed gearbox that includes real engine sounds—not artificial tones or orchestral music, but genuine engine noises from a traditional V8, specifically from a Porsche Cayenne’s V8.

      “We captured sounds from both the interior and the exterior, focusing on the noise from the exhaust,” Niesen explained.

      To integrate these sounds with electric motors requires precise adjustments. Electric and gasoline engines operate at vastly different speeds, so translating the sound of an internal combustion engine directly to an EV isn’t straightforward.

      “You have to modulate it because the rev range [on the EV] is much broader,” he noted. “However, if you were to implement virtual gear shifts, you could utilize the entire spectrum, depending on how many virtual gears you introduced.”

      Yes, he mentioned “virtual gear shifts.” Naturally, we were curious if this was merely theoretical or if the company had already experimented with it, and whether it could be achieved through a simple software update. “It’s under consideration if we pursue it or not,” was his response. “It would require hardware since the Cayenne EV currently lacks shifter paddles.”

      Apparently, Porsche has created such a vehicle, complete with paddles. It’s a reality, and according to Niesen, it’s impressive.

      “I drove a concept vehicle in March,” he shared. “I wanted to dislike it because it’s artificial and counterfeit, and I feared that the developers were just software enthusiasts lacking an understanding of transmission mechanics.”

      However, this wasn’t a minor project conceived by a junior engineer seeking recognition. It was led by engineers experienced in the company’s dual-clutch and torque-converter automatics.

      “And they know what they're doing,” he emphasized. “They managed to make it feel like a genuine torque converter gearbox. I couldn’t distinguish the difference.”

      Niesen acknowledged that this feature may not appeal to every consumer, particularly in the EV market. Yet, there is a demand for this level of engagement. It offers added value that can be introduced with minimal additional hardware and can be turned on or off at the driver's discretion.

      “That’s crucial,” he indicated. “You must provide customers the option for increased engagement, but in an EV, it shouldn’t be obligatory.”

      “From an engineering standpoint, introducing a gear shift doesn’t seem rational. However, there are continuously variable transmissions that do incorporate gear shifts because it feels more natural, even though it isn’t necessary.”

      Often, in the conflict between needs and wants, desires ultimately prevail.

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