BMW is not interested in adding analog gearboxes to electric vehicles, but it is still possible to provide
CTOnews.com, December 13 (Xinhua) car enthusiasts have long complained about the lack of fun to drive electric cars. They think electric cars are quiet, stereotyped and soulless. Indeed, electric cars usually have only one gear and cannot change gears like traditional cars. Even for electric cars with strong performance, floor oil does not produce the same exciting vibration and roar as the V8 engine.
To cater to driving enthusiasts, some carmakers have begun to copy the most exciting elements of traditional cars into their latest electric models, and companies such as Hyundai and Toyota are experimenting with this simulation technology. However, BMW says it is not interested in adding simulated gearboxes or faking engine roars to future electric vehicles.
At a recent press conference, reporters asked Frank Weber, BMW's chief technology officer, if their engineers were developing analog gearboxes for electric vehicles, and Weber smiled and rejected the idea: "Yes, we might be able to simulate a shift, a digital shift lever," he joked. The BMW technical director added that the company has more important things to do when it comes to the driving experience of the next generation of electric vehicles. BMW hopes to take advantage of electric technology to develop systems that control the wheels, motors and chassis at the same time, which is a top priority, he said.
"to simulate the work of fixing gears and shifting gears, we may do it in the afternoon after completing other tasks," he said. You will be surprised at the difference in driving the next generation of cars. "
Weber is joking, but other car companies are serious about comforting car enthusiasts who are frustrated by the demise of their beloved gasoline engine. Toyota has developed an electric car with an actual shift lever that can even stall. Drivers of the modern Ioniq 5N can experience the sensation of changing gears and can even choose a different engine roar from the menu to wake up their neighbors. Dodge, known for its thunderous V8 muscle car, recently added a gearbox and a loud "exhaust sound" to its concept electric car.
While this is not a top priority for BMW, it does not mean it will never happen. CTOnews.com noted that the head of BMW's high-performance M division told the media earlier this year that his team was working on artificial gearshifts, vibrations and acoustic cues to help drivers of future M-brand electric vehicles better judge speed on the track.
