Porsche Refuses to Fake the Thrill in EVs: “Why Imitate Something That’s Already Superior?”
In an era where automakers are experimenting with ways to make electric vehicles (EVs) feel more like traditional cars, Porsche is taking a firm stand. While some manufacturers have embraced simulated gear shifts to mimic the sensation of a multi-speed transmission, Porsche has decided it simply isn’t necessary—and might even be counterproductive.
Electric motors, Porsche argues, are inherently superior to internal combustion engines (ICEs) in terms of responsiveness and power delivery. Adding artificial gear-shifting experiences, they contend, does nothing to enhance driving enjoyment; in fact, it can diminish the very qualities that make an EV exhilarating.
If you were hoping that your next Porsche EV might feature simulated shifts—similar to Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N with its “N e-Shift” system—you may be out of luck. Porsche explored the concept but ultimately rejected it, labeling it a gimmick that made the EV feel less authentic rather than more engaging.
“We drove the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and seriously considered it. Naturally, there are always some people who think it’s a fantastic idea,” said Lars Kern, a Porsche development driver, in a recent interview. “But in the end, we concluded it’s not what we are looking for.”
Hyundai’s system attempts to replicate the feel of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission by combining sound effects through speakers with regenerative braking patterns. The goal is to recreate the tactile and auditory sensations of a traditional combustion engine, giving drivers a familiar, “fun” experience. While this may appeal to some enthusiasts, Porsche remains unconvinced.
Kern added, “We observe what our competitors are doing, of course, but our philosophy is simple: why make something worse? The electric motor is inherently superior to an ICE when it comes to power delivery. There’s no need to imitate the past.”
Porsche’s approach isn’t limited to gear shifts. The company has also resisted following trends like oversized touchscreens dominating modern dashboards, preferring a cockpit design that keeps the driver’s focus on the road and the driving experience itself.
Of course, the future remains open-ended. If Porsche ever develops its final combustion engine, it may revisit nostalgic elements that harken back to the classic driving experience. For now, however, the brand is committed to delivering pure, unfiltered driving pleasure through its EVs—embracing the unique strengths of electric power rather than trying to replicate what came before.
The question, then, is whether Porsche’s purist approach will resonate with drivers craving authenticity—or whether some enthusiasts might still yearn for simulated shifts to satisfy their sense of nostalgia. Either way, Porsche is making it clear: when it comes to EVs, there’s no substitute for the real thing.