Why We Hate Fake Gear Shifts: From CVTs To The Electric Ioniq 5 N EV

Feb 17, 2024

As EV manufacturer are increasingly programming 'fake gear shifts,' the debate around simulated gearboxes is heating up.

The automotive world has seen significant advancements in transmission technology over the years. From traditional automatics to continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and now to electric cars, gear shifts have played a crucial role in the driving experience.

From Hyundai to BMW, major players in the EV industry are employing simulated gearboxes to replicate the feeling of traditional shifting. This not only seems unnecessary but poses some potential challenges for EVs.

The recent news surrounding the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N EV exploring simulated gearboxes has raised some eyebrows. This has also prompted BMW to want to incorporate a similar tech in their upcoming sports EV.

Let's explore the history and cons of faking shifting in CVTs and weigh the tech in Hyundai and BMW's EVs.

Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) have been a topic of debate since their introduction. They have quite an interesting origin story. Leonardo da Vinci's sketches bear a resemblance to the concept of CVTs, indicating that the idea dates back centuries.

However, it wasn't until modern times that CVTs gained popularity in the automotive industry. While Subaru technically offered it first as an optional transmission in 1987, Toyota and Nissan were among the first to start using it extensively starting in the late 1990s.

Related: Here Are The Coolest Cars Available With A CVT Transmission

CVT's ability to seamlessly shift makes it an interesting piece of engineering. As fascinating as it is to watch, it still has a lot of kinks that need ironing out. The biggest difference between the CTV and a traditional automatic transmission is that the CVT doesn't shift.

This was such a massive departure from traditional transmissions that many consumers disliked it. The reason was not being able to hear their vehicle change gears. This prompted many manufacturers to program a 'fake shift' into their vehicles.

The CVT stands out with the way it can find the perfect gear ratio for any scenario. This smart gear technology means you can climb steep inclines without any over-rev or fuel waste. If you enjoy the sound and feel of shifting, however, you may not be as happy with it.

That is why some automakers design their CVTs to mimic the feel of traditional gear shifts. They want to address concerns raised by drivers who missed the sensation of gear changes in conventional transmissions. The simulated or 'fake gear shifts,' which are becoming the norm, create the illusion of gear changes while the transmission remains continuously variable.

Put simply, while the CVT provides a smooth, uninterrupted power delivery, manufacturers add these artificial shifts. EV manufacturers are taking this so seriously that Toyota filed a patent last year for manual EVs.

But herein lies the problem. Rather than embracing the unique attributes of an electric powertrain, the fake gear shift seeks to mask the inherent quietness and instant torque delivery of electric vehicles. In doing so, it fails to highlight what makes EVs a compelling choice for environmentally-conscious drivers. These simulated gear changes often feel unnatural and can be inconsistent. This can lead to a disconnection between the driver's inputs and the vehicle's response.

Related: CVT Transmission Vs. Automatic: Pros & Cons

The problem deepens with performance misrepresentation. Some automakers use fake gear shifts as a marketing tactic to make CVTs appear more dynamic and sporty. This can lead to disappointment for drivers who expect improved performance. They might find that the simulated shifts do not deliver the same level of responsiveness as traditional transmissions. This is where the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N comes in.

Hyundai recently unveiled the Ioniq 5 N, its first pure-electric performance car. Developed by Hyundai's N racing and performance division, this electric crossover is a serious hot hatch. As per the specs, it packs more power than the most powerful Lamborghini Huracan on sale today.

The new Ioniq 5 N has everything it needs to finally silence skeptics of electric cars. But there is one spec worth taking a closer look at. This electric performance car doesn’t require a traditional transmission, but the N E-Shift system simulates gear changes.

The system simulates a gearshift by controlling the torque output from the motor. Working with the N Active Sound system, the simulation mimics physical jolts as an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and audible sensations a driver would feel between gear changes. But it all begs the question: if a car’s not really shifting gears, is it worth making it “shift gears”?

It is true that enthusiasts and performance drivers crave cars that can deliver on the racetrack, with precise gear shifts and dynamic control. But fake gear shifts fail to meet these expectations. The lack of genuine gears and the absence of a traditional transmission limit the ability of these vehicles to optimize performance and achieve maximum potential on the track.

However, this Hyundai EV may more than make up for it. The Ioniq 5 N brings a significant power boost to touch 641 hp.

Some drivers view fake gear shifts as a gimmick or marketing ploy, and that isn’t without reason. They aren’t a practical necessity for the vehicle, and defeat the purpose of a CVT. To add to that, the sound and feel of the simulated gear shifts in CVTs can often be less satisfying.

And that is the only purpose of ‘fake shifts’ - to simulate the feeling of the genuine shifting in traditional transmissions.

Following the footsteps of Hyundai's Ioniq 5 N, BMW's M division is working on its first full-on performance EV. It is expected to be a quad-motor prototype based on the i4. To ensure it feels and drives like a proper M car, BMW is exploring a 'simulated gearbox,' like Hyundai N's implementation. The simulated gearbox provides drivers with feedback on their gear position and engine sound.

Frank van Meel, the company boss, praised Hyundai's approach. He acknowledged the need for providing drivers with feedback on their gear position and engine sound. This feedback can be important on the track, for that is where drivers need to focus on performance and avoid all distractions. The simulated gearbox in the Ioniq 5 N aims to offer a sense of connection to the vehicle.

Related: Your Next BMW M Could Be An EV With Fake Gear Shifts Like The Ioniq 5 N

This comes after the success of BMW i7 M70 which set benchmarks for performance luxury EVs. Now, the EV industry seems bent on exploring simulated gearboxes and refining it. They’re going through all these pains only to replicate a nostalgia that may never be all that pure. In fact, ‘fake shifts’ can potentially offer more problems than solutions.

CVTs are relatively new technology compared to traditional transmissions. An arising concern among drivers has been about the reliability of simulated gearboxes. Fake gear shifts could potentially exacerbate the wear and tear on the transmission components. This may lead to reliability issues or expensive repairs in the long run.

However, it is too early to predict all the potential issues. Only time will tell if this innovative approach will resonate with keen drivers and solidify BMW's position in the rapidly evolving world of electric performance vehicles. For now, the jury is still out.

Source: How Stuff Works, WhichCar?

A young, talented creative writer and journalist, Vedant is a motor head particularly interested in vintage and classics. He enjoys open mics and public speaking, invests on the side, and buys thick books to read them a year later. When not writing, Vedant can be found at his desk, pulling his hair, trying to write.