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Toyota has built an EV with a fake transmission, and we’ve driven it
(arstechnica.com)
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this post was submitted on 31 Oct 2023
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Maybe that's the use for a transmission then? Like CPU cores, efficiency cores and performance cores? Dunno, not an expert here. I do think what we think now is unlikely to be what we think as the technology matures and gets reinvented.
Yes, in reviews and media documents it is mentioned the Taycan has the second gear to be able to maintain Autobahn level speeds. It’s not explicitly mentioned, but Porsche won’t outright confirm efficiency last I looked, so even they don’t think it helps range. Just speed.
But it’s not that there isn’t efficiency to be gained, it’s just so small it’s not worth it. In order for even a 2 speed ev, the shift point would need to be approximately 70-80mph to realize efficiency gains.
That’s just not something that’s done with EV’s. Most are city centric, and even if you are driving 70-80mph in an EV, you’re hitting peak efficiency of the motor anyways. It’s a bell curve, so it’ll only start to taper off not drop like a cliff. Although, the one side might drop faster due to how resistance works.
My wife's EV peak efficiency seems to be 45mph give or take. That's where we get the most range. If we do a lot of local driving or a lot of interstate driving we get less range it seems.
I don't know nearly enough about this subject and appreciate the back and forth, I just feel like that problem can be solved better than it is today and feel like there might be a place for a transmission.
Though in the end this whole thing started by hating "fake" transmissions as much as fake vents on cars. My taste isn't global and I don't think everyone should think like I do. Though I do love manuals and would love a real reason for a manual on an EV. My car is amazing but as a gas car I know an EV version (once they get better batteries for lower weight) is solved would be really compelling but I don't want to lose the manual.
I get that it might not be realistic but it's part of my view on why I lean the way I do. Just trying to paint a picture of my mindset.
Right on. I apologize if I came off a little gruff, there’s a lot of stuff to try and say on this subject haha. Trying not to get too wordy.
But the manual EV can be done. Ford released the “Lithium” concept in 2019, and if you take a look at Autoblog website, Toyota just unveiled their “manual EV” prototype. It even simulates stalling!
I’m sure we’ll get there! But the demand just has to be high enough which makes it difficult. Manual take rate over the last few years has bounced around 3-5% in the US.
It doesn’t help that there are fewer to choose from every year. Even the base mustang doesn’t have a manual anymore.
Same with the C8 Vette which is why I went with the C7. With modern dual clutches and EVs the need from a performance standing isn't there anymore and with volume so low it often costs more for the manual even though it's a simpler component. Now it's just an enthusiast option and I'm an enthusiast seeing a device I love slowly fade away.