Honda is testing a manual transmission for EVs
Honda’s experiment with a “synthetic manual transmission” for electric cars, complete with fake engine sounds and simulated gear changes, is prompting debate over whether this adds meaningful control or is just nostalgic skeuomorphism. Enthusiasts argue that manuals provide engagement, mechanical empathy, and finer control, while others counter that modern automatics and single-speed EV drivetrains are more efficient, comfortable, and better suited to electric motors’ broad torque range. Many conclude that in EVs, multi-gear setups are largely unnecessary for performance and serve mainly as a driving-experience gimmick rather than a technical necessity.
Manual vs. Automatic in ICE Cars
- Many commenters strongly prefer manuals for engagement, control, and “mechanical empathy,” likening it to using power-user tools or Linux: more work, more understanding, more satisfaction.
- Others value automatics for comfort and reduced cognitive load, especially in heavy traffic, on long highway trips, or with physical limitations.
- Several note region differences: manuals long dominant in Europe, but automatics are rising; in the US, manuals are rare and often harder and more expensive to source.
- Some point out manuals used to be cheaper, lighter, and more fuel-efficient, but modern multi-gear automatics (8–10 speeds, dual-clutch, lockup torque converters) can now be more efficient and faster-shifting.
How This Relates to EVs
- EVs typically use a single fixed reduction gear since electric motors deliver useful torque across a wide speed range; transmissions mainly compensate for ICE limitations.
- Some technical discussion clarifies that EV motors do have torque curves, but they’re flatter; early EVs and heavy-duty electric vehicles have used multi-speed gearboxes.
- A few note specific limitations (e.g., top speed on a Nissan Leaf) where an extra real gear could help, but this is seen as niche.
Honda’s “Synthetic Manual” and Skeuomorphism
- The discussed Honda system is described as a simulated manual: fake gear behavior paired with synthetic engine sound, not a mechanical gearbox.
- Many see this as a pure gimmick or “skeuomorph” (a fake carry-over from obsolete tech), comparable to fake engine sounds already used in some ICE cars.
- Critics argue it needlessly limits EV performance and mimics ICE quirks instead of exploiting EV strengths.
- Supporters counter that some drivers genuinely enjoy shifting and would value a convincing simulation, much like riding horses for pleasure despite cars existing.
Driving Dynamics & Preferences
- Some emphasize manual-like control for hills, narrow roads, and tricky terrain; others argue modern automatics and EVs (with regen paddles) already give sufficient or superior control.
- A recurring theme: for enthusiasts, “fun” and engagement justify complexity; for many daily drivers, simplicity and low effort matter more.