Honda has developed a manual transmission complete with a clutch pedal for its upcoming electric vehicles, albeit one that works with software controlling the electric powertrain to simulate the feel of gears being shifted, rather than a true mechanical setup.
The information was revealed to The Drive by a Honda engineer last week during a test drive event of a prototype for Honda’s upcoming 0 Series family of EVs, though the engineer didn’t say whether there were any plans to put the feature into production.
Because electric motors deliver their full torque from zero rpm, EVs don’t require multi-gear transmissions like their gas-powered counterparts. That’s why most EVs are fitted with single-speed automatic transmissions, and in some cases when high-speed efficiency is required, a two-speed transmission is used.
However, a manual transmission like the one Honda has developed will make driving an EV much more fun, meaning it can deliver an extra layer of emotion, just like in a conventional manual-equipped car. It’s why Toyota has also developed a manual transmission for EVs, and even plans to put it into production. The Toyota design also simulates shifts.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Hyundai has already introduced software that simulates shifts in its Ioniq 5 N, though the automaker didn’t go all the way and develop a clutch pedal to operate the system. In the Ioniq 5 N, the software simulates the shifts of an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Not every one is a fan of such systems. One of the detractors is Porsche, whose test driver Lars Kern in August said the automaker had looked at using such technology in sporty EVs, but decided against it as it goes against trying to drive as fast as possible. To simulate the feel of gears shifting, interruptions in power flow are used to deliver the signature jolt you get when a gear is shifted.
Some aftermarket companies have paired genuine manual transmissions with electric powertrains. Even Ford in 2019 rolled out an electric Mustang demonstrator with a manual. However, no major automaker has announced plans for a production version of that kind of system.