Porsche is rethinking its stance on artificial gear shifts in electric vehicles, hinting that the driving experience in future EVs might feel more traditional than expected.
Just a year ago, Porsche development driver Lars Kern dismissed the idea of fake gear shifts in EVs, calling them unnecessary and even detrimental to power delivery. At the time, Porsche believed that such features were more gimmick than substance. However, recent comments from the brand’s prototype fleet manager suggest that this view may be changing.
During a press drive of the prototype Cayenne EV, Sascha Niesen, who oversees Porsche’s pre-production models, revealed that the company has been exploring the sonic and tactile aspects of EV driving. According to Niesen, engineers have experimented with recorded engine sounds and virtual gear transitions to create a more engaging experience for drivers.
He explained that Porsche has already developed a concept EV equipped with paddle shifters and simulated shift points. The project is being handled by engineers who usually work on Porsche’s dual-clutch and torque-converter transmissions, which means the virtual shifts aren’t just superficial add-ons.
“I drove the concept in March, and I expected it to feel fake,” Niesen admitted in an interview. “But the team nailed it. It felt just like a proper torque converter gearbox—I couldn’t tell the difference.”
While many Porsche buyers might not care about simulated shifts, driving purists could appreciate the added engagement. Importantly, the feature wouldn’t require additional hardware, making it relatively inexpensive to implement. Similar systems, like the one in Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N, have already proven that virtual gears can make EVs more fun to drive.
From a purely engineering perspective, gear shifts aren’t necessary in electric cars. But as Niesen pointed out, continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) once added fake shifts simply because drivers preferred the sensation of gear changes. In that sense, Porsche’s exploration is about emotion rather than mechanics.
It’s not yet clear which Porsche EVs might debut with this feature. Current models like the Taycan and Macan EV do not include virtual shifting, and the prototype Cayenne EV didn’t showcase it either. However, enthusiasts hope that upcoming models, such as the electric 718 Boxster and Cayman, could be the first to feature simulated gears.
Whether or not Porsche follows through, one thing is certain: if anyone can make fake gear shifts feel authentic, it’s Porsche.
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