TOYOTA

Toyota files new US patent for simulated manual transmission for EVs

A new patent for a Toyota virtual manual transmission system for EVs has been published in the US. The company has spoken about this technology before, with demonstrations via test drives. The latest documentation describes how the simulated manual transmission could work and various customization options.

Toyota is working on a simulated manual transmission for some of its EVs. A patent filing in Japan was seen in 2022, with a new US patent application publication suggesting the company could also roll out the technology in this market. In a presentation earlier this year, Toyota announced its intentions to develop hardware and software for battery electric vehicles, allowing them to have drive control and clutch functions.

The Toyota US patent details a virtual manual transmission, using a gear stick similar in design to those seen in a typical manual car. Drawings show the shifting device with a pattern indicating to the driver where each virtual gear stage is and suggest that the same transverse selector path could be used. The stages correlate to torque levels to be generated by the electric motor. The filing states that Toyota is considering options for vehicles not limited to six or seven speeds, as are typical manual cars. Plus, users could select from various torque patterns to match their preferred driving style.

Toyota is already testing this technology in a Lexus UX300e EV. Those who have driven the concept manual EV describe the driving experience as fun and note that it is possible to “stall” the vehicle. It remains to be seen whether or when the technology could be available to purchase for an EV from the Toyota Group. Rumors suggest that the FT-Se concept, shown at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, could be one of the first models with a virtual manual transmission.

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