Toyota and Lexus made an odd announcement final yr: it was growing an EV with a “guide transmission.” It even mentioned that it was deep in improvement, not simply tacking the function onto a non-functional design idea. And the weirdest a part of all of it was that it could be a guide for an EV that was nonetheless only a single-speed EV. It seems it is all true. The Japanese automaker has been growing the system, and we really obtained to strive it out, together with one other EV prototype that may simulate a number of inner combustion powertrains, on the firm’s take a look at heart exterior of Nagoya, Japan. It type of broke our brains with how properly it labored.
Among the many many desirable features of those prototype autos (a Lexus UX 300e for the guide transmission, and a Lexus RZ for the a number of powertrains) is that the execution is pretty easy. The guide model is probably the most complicated, because it contains the addition of a clutch pedal and an H-pattern shifter, particularly a six-speed. However neither are literally related to something. It is actually simply the shifter and simply the clutch pedal, with no linkages to anything. Every part additionally has a sensor to detect shifter and clutch pedal positions. Every thing else is completely operated by software program that manipulates the electrical motor. The pc merely adjusts how a lot torque is offered relying on RPM, automobile pace and “gear” with a purpose to simulate an inner combustion engine energy curve. It then cuts energy when the clutch is depressed. Partial clutch use additional adjusts how a lot torque is offered from the motor to simulate clutch slip. This system additionally adjusts how a lot regenerative braking is used based mostly on pace, RPM and equipment.
Essentially the most outstanding trick it performs is the sensation of coming near stalling. In case you have not pushed a guide transmission automobile, you must know there is a level the place, if you happen to’re not giving sufficient throttle as you carry your foot from the clutch pedal, the automobile will calmly buck and chug. Both you give it extra throttle and it smooths out and retains going, or you do not, and the automobile stalls. To create this sense, Toyota engineers mentioned that they apply frequent, jerky throttle inputs to the electrical motor. It would even “shut off” if it would not get sufficient throttle in time. In fact, not like a guide inner combustion engine, this one “restarts” as quickly because the clutch is totally depressed. Nevertheless it’s wonderful that principally each powertrain sensation of a guide transmission is simulated, simply with intelligent energy and throttle settings for the electrical motor.
There are different additions in addition to the throttle calibrations and controls. Toyota additionally provides simulated engine sounds for all of those situations and even a tachometer that receives simulated indicators. This implies you may hear and see the “revs” rise and fall with pedal functions. You may even pop it into “impartial” and “rev” it.
Among the many bodily, visible and aural tips, the UX prototype feels identical to a guide inner combustion engine. It is so extremely pure. And the suggestions was practical sufficient I needed to ask the engineers if there have been any kind of pressure suggestions motors within the clutch pedal to speak feeling, and there are none. The one actual chink within the armor is the arcade cabinet-feeling shifter (not being related to an precise gearbox makes it listless). It is actually that good.
Toyota’s engineers have additionally been pondering of foolish issues you are able to do with guide transmissions. I requested the engineer using with me if you happen to may hypothetically do a method utilized by drifters referred to as a “clutch kick.” That is when a drifter shortly presses and releases the clutch pedal to ship a shock via to the rear wheels to assist break the rear finish unfastened. He confirmed that is one thing that might be accomplished. And associated to it, he requested me to cease the automobile on the take a look at course straight, after which “rev” it to six,000 RPM indicated on the tachometer. He then mentioned for me to shortly launch the pedal, and, had I been slightly higher with my throttle and clutch pedal strikes, we’d’ve accomplished a burnout. He mentioned it could even be simpler to do a burnout with a bit extra energy and rear drive.
Utilizing comparable methods, Toyota created one other prototype automobile, on this case a Lexus RZ, that may simulate a number of completely different powertrains. The three autos, along with the bottom RZ, had been a Toyota Passo economic system automobile, the Toyota Tundra and Lexus LFA, every with corresponding numbers of “gears” as much as the Tundra’s 10-speed. And once more, the simulations had been carried out with completely different programming to restrict torque software based mostly on fuel engine energy curves. Acceleration could be reduce at particular occasions to simulate the automated transmission shifts. An onboard speaker with recorded sound would assist full the phantasm. Actually spectacular was the truth that it could “downshift” at occasions when demanding extra acceleration, and the roughness of the “shifts” would range based mostly on throttle enter and “rpm.” Once more, it was all fascinating and convincing.
Granted, the weak level on this simulation of different vehicles is that it will probably solely replicate the powertrain. You may’t simulate kind of weight or completely different suspension designs. In order quickly as you are heading round corners, the phantasm shatters.
For all of the gushing I’ve accomplished in regards to the tips pulled by these magicians at Toyota, I am nonetheless unsure what sensible or salable objective this all has exterior of its pure leisure worth. I can consider some extraordinarily area of interest sensible circumstances, although. For instructing somebody to drive guide, this know-how could be excellent, because you by no means actually stall, and there is no clutch or transmission to wreck. Maybe for a efficiency EV, simply having a clutch operate might be helpful sans the guide gimmickry for some superior driving methods, too.
Toyota has imagined a number of area of interest circumstances of its personal, similar to the concept of with the ability to buy completely different profiles of historic autos or maybe efficiency profiles. The Lexus LF-ZL, revealed on the Tokyo present, had actually nifty mannequin vehicles that will retailer these profiles, together with different data.
However would these actually get somebody to purchase a Toyota or Lexus EV over one thing else? And if it did, would the house owners actually use it typically? In spite of everything, the electrical driving expertise with its throttle response, versatile energy, smoothness and regenerative braking are all actually interesting on their very own deserves. And for that matter, should not we be discovering the distinctive traits that make EVs enjoyable and embracing that, slightly than making an attempt to pressure it to be one thing it is not?
Honestly, I do not actually have a solution to any of this. I actually like EVs for being EVs, however I genuinely had enjoyable with these prototypes, so I am conflicted. Possibly this analysis will result in methods to play with an EV powertrain that nobody has considered but. Possibly will probably be a useless finish. I want I had a extra definitive conclusion right here, however all I can say is that that is actually fascinating know-how, and the following few years of EV improvement must be memorable, whatever the subsequent success.
Associated Video: