With a handful of exceptions, most electrical automobiles do not have (or want) multi-speed transmissions. In keeping with some well-respected EV engineers and executives, they could even detract from efficiency.

As such, a efficiency EV is an odd place to see a handbook gearbox. But a few experiments have cropped up not too long ago, suggesting automakers are contemplating transcribing this concept—or a minimum of the sensory expertise—over to EVs.

Lexus is testing a prototype of its UX 300e, an all-electric model of the UX crossover not offered within the U.S., with a gear lever and clutch pedal, in keeping with an organization press launch. This retains the extent of involvement of a standard handbook, in keeping with Lexus, however with none of the mechanical bits.

“It’s a software program based mostly system,” Akashi Watanabe, Lexus Electrified Chief Engineer, mentioned in a press release, “so it may be programmed to breed the driving expertise of various car varieties, letting the motive force select their most popular programming.”

Lexus UX 300e

Lexus hasn’t mentioned a timeline for manufacturing, however the Toyota luxurious model has a minimum of one attainable software for this concept within the works. It is anticipated to launch an electrical sports activities automobile based mostly on the Electrified Sport idea first proven in December 2021, which looks like match for a handbook—even a software-based one.

Hyundai can be engaged on a dual-clutch transmission for EVs, testing one within the RN22e “rolling lab” prototype, in keeping with Australia’s CarExpert. Whereas not a conventional handbook, it could nonetheless introduce synthetic shifting, this time reportedly accompanied by faux engine sounds.

Hyundai RN22e Idea

Hopefully these new efforts will end up higher than what’s come earlier than. Lotus tried so as to add faux shifting to its Evora plug-in hybrid growth automobile a decade in the past—with poor outcomes.

Extra not too long ago, Honda added faux shifting to the 2023 CR-V Hybrid, a transfer we discover a bit embarrassing. As a result of not like one-pedal driving, pretending to vary cogs on this approach alters the driving expertise simply to recreate sensations from internal-combustion vehicles.

Nonetheless, EVs with manuals will be the solely method to save the clutch pedal. Guide gross sales have declined persistently for many years, and so they now signify a tiny fraction of the market. EVs outsold manuals for the primary time in 2019, in actual fact.