Toyota's Fun Experiment: Developing an Electric Vehicle with Manual Transmission

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Toyota engineers are developing a simulated manual transmission for electric cars, aiming to add a fun feature for those who enjoy the experience of shifting gears. Despite serving no functional purpose on electric vehicles, Toyota recognizes the importance of appealing to a wide range of consumers and hopes that this feature will attract those who find electric cars lacking excitement. While most cars in the United States, including gasoline-powered ones, come with automatic transmissions, manual transmissions are more common in Europe and are often offered as options for performance or budget cars. Most electric cars use single-speed transmissions due to the nature of their electric motors, which do not require multiple gears for different speeds.

Toyota's patent application describes a simulated manual transmission that utilizes sensors and a central computer to replicate the feel of shifting gears. Instead of having an actual multi-speed transmission, a shifter connected to the sensors and computer would mimic the behavior of a specific type of manual transmission car. Additionally, a clutch pedal would be included alongside the brake and accelerator pedals to enhance the driving experience. Drivers would even be able to downshift and experience engine braking. The simulated manual transmission programming would also realistically mimic the consequences of improper gear selection or insufficient throttle input, causing the car to shake and buck, like a gas-powered manual transmission car. The simulated manual transmission would be optional, with the car offering both a regular electric vehicle mode and a faux-manual mode. The inclusion of fake engine sounds has been speculated but is not mentioned in the patent application. The availability and release of the simulated manual transmission feature in global markets have yet to be confirmed. .

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