Could a simulated manual transmission be the future of electric vehicle driving?
Electric vehicles are often thought to lack transmissions, but they actually use them. This video examines why most EVs rely on single-speed units, why high-performance models like the Audi RS e-Tron GT use two gears, and how Toyota is exploring the development of a pseudo-manual transmission for electric cars.
While most electric vehicles utilize single-speed transmissions that eliminate the need for shifting, some high-performance models incorporate multi-gear systems. Specifically, the Audi RS e-Tron GT and the Porsche Taycan employ a two-speed transmission for their rear drive units, while maintaining a single-speed setup for the front.
Toyota has recently filed patent applications for an electric vehicle featuring a pseudo-manual transmission. This development raises questions about the engineering rationale behind gear selection in EVs and why a manufacturer would seek to simulate the manual driving experience in an electric platform.
Source: Are Fake Manual Transmissions Coming? Audi Keeps It Real