- Porsche electric cars won’t pretend to be gas-powered
- Automakers have explored the idea of programmed shift points.
- Porsche has two EVs in its lineup and a third is on the way
Porsche probably won’t follow Hyundai in programming its EV powertrains, at least when it comes to programmed audio.
Porsche Development Driver Lars Kern told Drive that the automaker did not see the need to include Simulated shift points in EV.
“Our view on this has always been why should we make something worse“, Kern said.
The driver admits that the automaker is looking at what others, including Hyundai, are doing to emulate sporty characteristics in electric vehicles, but features like programmable shift points are considered counterintuitive to drive as fast as possible.
Kern notes that Porsche still makes internal combustion engines for those who want that feeling.
Porsche discovered technology to simulate shift points and gear changes, but the automaker stopped at the concept stage. According to Kern, a prototype was never built.
Hyundai has developed shift points, power and disconnect switches, and even audio generators (speakers) at various points around the vehicle. Ioniq 5N. All of this is done with the aim of simulating the experience of driving a gasoline-powered car on an electric vehicle.
The effort is more about entertainment than lap times. Hyundai executives and spokespeople told Green Car Reports at the Ioniq 5 N’s launch that the shift points and sounds help drivers have more fun and feel more speed on the track.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5N is worth the waitand programmed shift points, power curves and sound generators all work to create a distinct EV experience. An experience closer to that of a gasoline car than a BEV, but while fun, it’s clear on the track that these don’t make the car go any faster over the course. If anything, they can slow it down due to the distinct power curves implemented for the simulated transmission.
That’s not what Porsche is looking for, Kern said. “We’re not trying to make an electric car. feels like an internal combustion engine, So that’s why we’re not following up any further.”
The Porsche Taycan has been on sale since 2020 and is the automaker’s second EV, the Macanis being released now. A successor to the 718 Boxster and Cayman is in the works and will bring Porsche sports cars into the electric age.
