As the electric vehicle (EV) revolution charges forward, the traditional art of changing gears is dying a slow death. While some automakers, like Hyundai, are desperately trying to cling to the past by simulating gear changes in their Ioniq 5 N, others are actively pushing the boundaries with aftermarket manual gearboxes for EVs. But Porsche? They’ve drawn a line in the sand.
Lars Kern, Porsche’s development driver, bluntly dismissed the trend in an interview with Drive. He revealed that despite keeping a close watch on rivals, Porsche has no intention of jumping on the artificial gear shift bandwagon. Why? Because, according to Kern, it’s a step backward. “Why should we make something worse?” Kern scoffed. He argues that electric motors, with their instant torque and seamless power delivery, are inherently superior to internal combustion engines (ICEs). So why bother mimicking outdated technology?
It’s a bold stance from a brand that’s not above contradicting itself. After all, Porsche shamelessly slapped the “Turbo” badge on the all-electric Taycan—a name traditionally reserved for cars with actual turbochargers. And they’re at it again with the upcoming Macan EV, which, you guessed it, will also carry a “Turbo” moniker despite being turbo-less. Is this Porsche clinging to nostalgia or simply capitalizing on a name that sells?
Despite this, Kern stands firm. He insists that forcing gear changes into an electric vehicle would be a disservice to the technology’s potential. And he’s not wrong. The Taycan, with its clever two-speed transmission, already proves that Porsche knows how to harness electric power for both blistering acceleration and high-speed cruising. But don’t expect Porsche to backpedal and start pretending their EVs are combustion engines. “We don’t want to fake it,” Kern declared, shutting down the idea that Porsche would ever dilute their engineering prowess for a gimmick.
Interestingly, Porsche admits they once flirted with the idea of artificial gear changes. But after testing the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N—a car lauded for its innovative features—Porsche’s team walked away unimpressed. The verdict? It’s not for them, and they won’t compromise their brand’s identity to chase a trend.
This commitment to authenticity is woven into Porsche’s electrification strategy. While the iconic Macan, Boxster, and Cayman are set to go fully electric, Porsche is wisely keeping its V-8 Cayenne alive alongside its electric successor. The company’s ambitious goal of having EVs make up 80% of its sales by the end of the decade has quietly been adjusted, acknowledging that the shift to electric is slower than anticipated.
For Porsche, it’s clear: the future is electric, but not at the cost of pandering to the past. They’re not interested in resurrecting old-school driving sensations just for nostalgia’s sake. Instead, they’re focused on perfecting what’s ahead—an electric experience that’s unapologetically modern and true to the Porsche ethos.
