- Porsche EVs won’t pretend to be gas-powered cars
- The automaker explored the idea of programmed shift points
- Porsche has two EVs in its lineup and a third en route
Porsche isn’t likely to follow Hyundai’s lead in EV powertrain programming, at least when it comes to programmed sounds.
Porsche development driver Lars Kern told Drive that the automaker doesn’t see a need to put simulated shift points in EVs.
“Our perspective on this is always why should we make something worse,” Kern said.
The driver acknowledged the automaker’s watching what others, including Hyundai, are doing to simulate sporty characteristics in EVs, but features like programmed shift points are viewed as counter-intuitive to driving as fast as possible.
Kern noted Porsche still makes combustion engines for those that want that feeling.
Porsche explored the technology to simulate shift points and gear changes, but the automaker stopped at the idea stage. A prototype was never created, according to Kern.
Hyundai developed shift points, power cutoff and transfer, and even sound generators (speakers) at various points around the vehicle in the Ioniq 5 N. All were done in an effort to simulate a gas-powered car’s driving experience in an EV.
The effort was all in the name of fun rather than lap times. Hyundai execs and spokespeople told Green Car Reports at the launch of the Ioniq 5 N that the shift points and sound help drivers have more fun and provide a better sense of speed on the track.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N was worth the wait, and both the programmed shift points, power curves, and sound generators work to create a different experience in an EV. An experience that’s closer to that of a gas-powered car than a BEV, but while fun, it was clear on a race track these things don’t make the car lap the course quicker. If anything, they might slow the car down due to the distinct power curves being implemented for the simulated gearing.
Kern said that’s not what Porsche is looking for. “We don’t try to make the electric car feel like a combustion engine, so that’s why we just didn’t follow up on that.”
The Porsche Taycan has been on sale since 2020, and the automaker’s second EV, the Macan, is launching now. A successor to the 718 Boxster and Cayman is in the wings and will bring Porsche’s sports cars into the electric era.