Porsche is developing a controversial new manual transmission concept for electric vehicles, but unlike other simulated manual systems, this one is designed specifically for off-road driving rather than spirited use on paved roads.
Porsche’s Electric Manual Mode Takes a Different Approach
Simulated manual shifting in electric vehicles is already being explored, most notably by Hyundai with the Ioniq 5 N. Lexus has also experimented with actual gears and a manual transmission in the UX300e.
Porsche’s patent describes both a manual mode similar to Hyundai’s system and a simulated automatic transmission. In automatic mode, the EV would mimic gear changes at points where a conventional torque-converter automatic transmission would typically shift.
The vehicle’s computers would control the electric motors to apply torque and simulate engine braking, creating a driving response intended to feel more like a gasoline-powered vehicle.
In full manual mode, the EV would behave similarly to a Porsche equipped with a PDK transmission, but without automated redline shifts or low-RPM downshifts. The concept is again similar to the approach used by the Ioniq 5 N.
Porsche’s Off-Road Shift Mode
The new element in Porsche’s idea is an off-road mode. When that mode is activated while the simulated transmission is in automatic mode, the vehicle would change its virtual shifts to replicate the behavior of a gasoline SUV in its own off-road setting.
The system would hold a higher simulated RPM for longer in each gear to help make torque application more consistent and precise. It would also downshift sooner to provide additional engine braking on grades.
In an electric vehicle, however, the simulated engine speed and engine braking would ultimately be functions of the electric motors.
Virtual Shift Maps for Snow, Sand and Mud
Porsche describes its off-road shift map as “defined for maximum dynamic off-road operation with maximum dynamic virtual shift points.” A minimal mode would also be available for drivers who do not want maximum dynamics.
Different types of terrain would receive their own shift maps, including snow, sand, mud and gravel. Regardless of the selected mode, the simulated gear changes would provide audio and visual feedback to the driver.
The system would allow the driver to select the drive mode manually and adjust suspension settings for off-pavement driving. The vehicle could also select the mode automatically.
Sensors detecting wheelspin, along with maps and cameras positioned outside the vehicle, would help determine whether the vehicle was traveling on pavement, mud or snow.
The System Would Not Use Porsche’s Actual Gearbox
Despite the transmission-focused concept, Porsche’s system would not use the brand’s actual gearbox. The Taycan uses a two-speed reduction gear on its rear motor for highway speeds, while the feature is absent from the Macan and Cayenne EVs.
