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Porsche Opposes Artificial Gear Shifts in Electric Vehicles: ‘No Point in’

Porsche has decided not to include simulated shifting in its electric vehicles, unlike Hyundai. Porsche believes that the electric engine surpasses the internal combustion engine and finds that simulating shifting in an EV detracts from the driving experience. The automaker sees no reason to simulate a combustion engine when they continue to produce them.

Unfortunately, if you were anticipating your future electric Porsche to come with simulated shifting similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, I have some disappointing information to share. After Hyundai introduced artificial shifting, Porsche explored the possibility of incorporating this technology into its vehicles. However, Porsche ultimately concluded that the feature was more of a novelty and actually detracted from the overall driving experience of their electric vehicles.

Porsche development driver Lars Kern shared his thoughts with Drive, an Australian media outlet, stating that the team had evaluated the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and considered its potential but ultimately decided it wasn’t the right fit for their goals.

Hyundai recently introduced its N e-Shift technology to the Ioniq 5 N model. This innovative feature aims to replicate the sensation of driving a vehicle equipped with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, despite the fact that the Ioniq 5 is powered by a single-speed electric motor. Although it may seem unusual, the N e-Shift feature has won over critics, including InsideEV’s Mack Hogan, who found it surprisingly effective.

Hyundai unveiled the high-performance Ioniq 5 N for 2024.

In essence, it replicates the noises and sensations of a traditional engine—a concept familiar to many car enthusiasts—through the vehicle’s speakers and regenerative braking system.

While an EV doesn’t require knowing the redline for shifting or anticipating power response at specific rev ranges, drivers quickly learn to harness the EV’s dynamics. This familiarity helps improve turn-ins and general driving inputs, enhancing precision and control.

Porsche, however, didn’t prioritize the “fun factor.” Kern explained that while they do consider their competitors’ actions, their focus is on avoiding creating inferior products. He highlighted the advantages of electric engines over internal combustion engines in terms of power delivery. Porsche saw no need to replicate outdated technologies.

He added, “It doesn’t make sense to mimic the characteristics of a combustion engine when that’s not what it is. Since we still manufacture traditional engines, we don’t see the value in pretending our alternative is something it’s not.”

First impressions of the 2025 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Sport Turismo.

This isn’t the first time Porsche has resisted following a trend. Recently, the automaker also decided against incorporating large tablet-sized screens on the dashboards of its EVs, a feature many other automakers are adopting. However, Porsche hasn’t ruled out the possibility of embracing such trends in the future, just as it has with simulated shifting.

Maybe when Porsche produces its final internal combustion engine, it might seek opportunities to commemorate the experience of driving a gasoline-powered car with a standard transmission. However, the seamless and quick acceleration of an electric vehicle remains undeniably desirable, even in traditional combustion engine cars.

Perhaps Kern is right. Alternatively, Porsche could consider allowing its customers to make the decision.