Toyota might let you “stall” your EV

Toyota has filed a patent overseas for a virtual manual transmission system that, unfortunately for some, will be able to simulate an engine “stall” just like a regular stick-shift combustion powered vehicle. Thought to go beyond Hyundai’s pioneering N e-Shift feature – and the similar E-Shift system announced by Porsche this week – Toyota’s new set-up could feature in its future EVs.  

We already have EVs with simulated gearshifts, artificial engine sounds and virtual rev limiters but Toyota appears intent on taking the concept even further.

A patent uncovered by CarBuzz has revealed a system designed to replicate the complete manual transmission experience in an EV, including the less desirable aspect of driving stick: stalling.

Described by Toyota as a ‘virtual torque transmitting capacity changing device’, the system aims to mimic clutch operation and works alongside a ‘virtual engine speed calculator’ that estimates the equivalent gear position and engine speed an internal-combustion vehicle would experience under the same driving conditions.

Unlike conventional EVs, where accelerator pedal inputs request torque from the electric motor, Toyota's system overlays a manual-driving simulation with virtual gear ratios and clutch engagement characteristics.

The system is also thought to be able to replicate the tricky hill start, including rolling backwards on a hill if the driver fails to manage the clutch correctly.

According to the patent, selecting an inappropriate gear or releasing the virtual clutch incorrectly could result in a simulated stall event. Rather than an engine shutting down, the EV would cut motor torque and apply the brakes, creating the same abrupt stop as you’d get in a manual.

It’s also thought to alter stall sensitivity depending on the driver's perceived skill level, potentially making the experience more forgiving for newcomers while retaining greater realism for experienced drivers.

While the tech is not yet available, it’s expected to feature in future Toyota and Lexus performance EVs and will no doubt improve driver engagement – for better or worse – if it does arrive.

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