Toyota EVs make a massive U-turn to bring back gearboxes and stalling
Electric vehicles are praised for their simplicity, with a lack of complex oily parts, transmission tunnels and cooling requirements allowing designers to indulge in fresh designs like the Toyota FT-Se above.
But that same simplicity has turned off many car enthusiasts, who feel EVs lack “soul” and offer a digital driving experience that doesn’t match the involvement of an old-fashioned combustion engine.
Well, Toyota seems ready to address this issue, as manual transmissions appear to be back on the table for future EV owners. According to News/new-cars/toyota-manual-gearbox-electric-cars” target=”_blank” data-url=”https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/toyota-manual-gearbox-electric-cars”>Coachwho gained first-hand experience with a prototype Lexus UX300e equipped with the system, the technology has been in development for years and relies entirely on software that mimics the movement of a clutch and the movement of a manual gear lever.
The prototype drivetrain featured a real gear lever borrowed from the Toyota GR86 (like the one below) and an old-fashioned analogue tachometer, while switchgear allows the driver to switch from fully automatic to manual drive. This setup is expected to be available to buyers as a factory option from 2026.
Of course, EV engines don’t require a conventional gearbox, so engineers have had to simulate everything with software. According to Autocar, first gear is engaged exactly as you would in a traditional manual car. Drivers can slip the clutch and even stall the car if they fail to properly balance the clutch and speed. Surely stalling an electric car is the most embarrassing thing a driver can ever do?
In addition, engineers have ensured that engine braking can be felt by the driver, as well as the ability to coast when the clutch is depressed. Autocar says that the most bizarre thing of all is the lack of torque when you try to suddenly accelerate into top gear without downshifting.
Synthetic noise is pumped into the cabin, with imitation rattles and trim vibration that simulate that you’ve selected the wrong gear and the car is struggling to return torque.
The future for electric sports cars looks brighter
Although this ‘manual’ gearbox is entirely software controlled, even the simulation of a more immersive driving experience is good news for those who think EVs have no soul. It feels like electric vehicles are moving away from digital gimmicks and towards truly useful solutions.
In a similar vein, Hyundai has been working on a number of innovations for its high-performance Ioniq 5 N hot hatch, with the ability to ‘shift gears’ via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, as well as various drift modes that simulate the clutch step, engine and engine. brakes and realistic engine sounds that can be pumped into the cabin. Early rides suggest that it really works.
Naturally, the presence of a manual gearbox will likely be sold as an option in the future, but Toyota wants to ensure its upcoming electric sports cars are as attractive as possible, with the recent FT-Se concept suggesting it is working on a true two-seater sports car that will house the next generation of battery technology. One that will reduce charging time but vastly improve power.
Couple this with a ‘real’ manual gearbox and we could be looking at the most convincing EV sports car line-up yet.