Automatic more popular than manual transmission: AutoRAI.nl on NPO Radio 1 on this development
Why does an electric car have an automatic transmission?
An electric car does not actually have an automatic because there is (usually) no transmission at all. Driving, however, is the same as in an automatic car. Unlike a regular fuel engine, different gears are not necessary with an electric motor. In fact, it works at any speed, because its torque – that is pulling power – is immediately available from 0 rpm. A fuel engine delivers its maximum torque only between a certain rpm, say between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm. Then you need gears to get a certain acceleration into the car.
Advantages manual transmission
- More involvement in driving
- You control everything yourself
- It’s just incredibly fun!
- You may also drive an automatic with a manual transmission
Advantages automatic
- Super comfortable
- Saves connecting in traffic jams!
- Simplicity, you don’t have to think about shifting gears.
Why still classes with manual transmission?
Some people don’t bother to master another manual transmission. Saves a few lessons, of course, and thus money, but it’s extremely useful to be able to. After all, you never know. Suppose you need to drive a car with a manual transmission in an emergency, and an automatic license won’t allow you to do so. Or you’re on vacation and suddenly get a rental car with a manual transmission, even then you have a problem. But if you are sure anyway that you want to drive exclusively with an automatic.
Code 78
You get a code 78 on your driver’s license if only allowed to drive an automatic.
Interesting phase
We are in a transition phase. Developments are happening at lightning speed. If you are 30 years old or older, you still really consciously experienced the manual transmission. Also hybrids and plug-in hybrids generally have an automatic transmission. That also helps with the rise of the automatic.
Sometimes automatic better option
Depending on the powertrain, an automatic is also sometimes a better option, especially if the automatic has a dual clutch. The shift times are then so short that you can’t actually match that with a manual transmission. Take a Porsche 911 GT3 RS with PDK automatic transmission. That’s a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Driving the six-cylinder boxer engine toward the rev limiter at 9,000 rpm is a joy. That sound will give you – at least me – goosebumps up to your fingernails.
Electric cars that make engine noise
There are also electric cars that seek to mimic the character of a normal transmission. The Kia EV6 GT, for example, but also the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Those two models have a virtual shift system that simulates gear changes from a fuel engine, including matching engine noise. You can then even chase the car into the rev limiter. That drives incredibly fun. Should help get real car enthusiasts into electric cars, too.
Lexus
Lexus is working on an electric car with a manual transmission. In fact, this system is so ingenious that you can also stop the car if you let the clutch come out too quickly. Otherwise, the engineers saw no challenge in it. This system will soon be on the market in a large electric Lexus.
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