Why Toyota Wants You to Stall Their 'Manual' Electric Cars

When Toyota mentioned their desire to simulate a manual transmission experience in their electric vehicles (EVs), many assumed it would be all about the thrill of shifting gears. However, in a surprising twist, the Japanese automaker is taking the simulation to another level by incorporating the possibility of stalling if you mess up. Yep, really.

It seems Toyota is on a mission to recreate the authentic driving feel of traditional manual transmission vehicles, complete with their quirks and challenges. Their recent patent, offers a deep dive into this ambitious endeavor.

The essence of the manual transmission experience, according to Toyota's engineers, isn't limited to changing gears. They believe that if the vehicle never stalls, it could cause "a sense of discomfort" for those familiar with manual transmissions. This might sound extreme to some, but Toyota's dedication to creating a genuine manual driving experience is evident in their detailed plans.

So how does it work? The vehicle will feature a simulated manual transmission, complete with a tachometer and an "idle speed." If the driver allows the speed to drop below the idle threshold while disengaging the simulated clutch, the car's inverter will immediately cut the torque from the electric motor. This means the vehicle will lose all power, allowing it to roll if positioned on an incline. However, whether the stall will be accompanied by any simulated engine noise or clattering remains uncertain.

If the vehicle senses that stalling could lead to issues, such as being stuck in traffic on a steep incline, it will display a warning message. This alert essentially tells the driver that under normal circumstances, they would have stalled, but due to the current tricky situation, they've been given a pass. This function is overseen by a "Stall Avoidance Unit," which can prevent the simulated power loss in potentially hazardous scenarios.

While the idea of adding an extra layer of complexity to EV driving might seem counterintuitive, Toyota's rationale seems rooted in catering to purists. Stalling a vehicle can indeed offer drivers a deeper connection with their machine, allowing them to understand its limits intimately. However, the real question is whether modern drivers, especially those transitioning to EVs, are looking for this kind of experience.

While it remains to be seen if Toyota's vision of a simulated manual transmission with the potential for stalling will make it to production, it's undoubtedly an intriguing concept. Only time will tell if the market is ready for such a nostalgic and immersive driving experience in the world of electric vehicles.