I tested a controversial innovation on Hyundai’s new electric car

Unlike petrol cars, an electric car does without a multi-speed gearbox. Some models such as the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT include a single-speed gearbox, signed ZF, to improve performance. But all this remains the exception that proves the rule. Well, that was until the appearance of this Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, a demonic version of the quiet Ioniq 5. Hyundai has managed to integrate a real artificial gearbox larger than life to increase the feeling of driving.

Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s former general manager, caused a stir when he announced that he wanted to integrate a gearbox into his electric sports cars. And even today, when we discuss the subject with fans of electric cars, drivers of these cars generally reject this idea outright. However, after measuring what the Hyundai manufacturer has developed, the idea suddenly does not seem so ridiculous.

How does this virtual gearbox work on the Ioniq 5 N?

We must already go beyond the first thought of considering this gearbox as just a toy. Even if it can be turned on and off at will from the car’s interface, what Hyundai has designed goes beyond the device aspect. We’re a long way from the “whoopee cushion” type of performance futility that some brands include for fun. The software additions on this Ioniq 5 N have very clear goals: to meet specific sporting needs.

Even the flyer, the N e-Shift system is surprisingly realistic, especially associated with the simulated sound of the petrol engine (N Active Sound + function). To the point that, after a few minutes, we come to forget that we are behind the wheel of an electric car. While laughing among the journalists, we came to the conclusion that this standard gearbox performs better than some double clutch gearboxes, which equip sports cars.

If you fail to upshift using the steering wheel paddles, before 8,000 rpm of the virtual rev counter, you will reach the breaker. We can also tell you that it’s not just a little buzz like a cruise control. The car will make you feel the shocks of the combustion engine as it reaches the switch and cuts off all power. It’s shaking. All it takes is a twist of the paddle to shift to the next gear, for the car to resume its acceleration curve that can hold you in the seat, and so on, until it reaches an unhealthy speed if you don’t let off the ‘accelerator .

If speeding up in these situations brings back fond memories, wait and see what the downhill plan has in store for you. The small sound of the gas return is quickly addictive. Coupled with a new stop which, in fact, is an example of the operation of a diesel engine, the whole thing is amazing. Anti-electrics will have to review some of the arguments against this engine, because this Ioniq 5 N breaks them.

Although we may love the linear and silent side of an electric car’s acceleration or stopping, sometimes there are times when we just want something else. This is what this optional function offers, it actually manages to combine all the benefits of electricity and those of fuel, and it’s just fun! True old fashioned entertainment.

Work undertaken for electric sports cars

Of course, enabling this activity on the road to work in the middle of traffic, or during a Sunday walk with the mother-in-law in the back, is not the main goal in mind for Hyundai. All this is the brand’s way of offering driving pleasure from N, the sports arm of the Korean group. They are basically examples of target games.

However, this situation has an advantage that is definitely not appreciated. Many passengers can get sick in an electric car because of the loss of certain memory points. Hyundai’s electronic shift system overcomes this by perfectly replicating the sounds and sensations felt in a traditional car. Finally, it’s real, except for one note: Hyundai hasn’t added fake chassis vibrations to simulate a diesel or gasoline engine.

Finally, Akio Toyoda was not wrong in envisioning an electric sports car from the Lexus lineup. It will be interesting to see if Toyota also goes through this development to produce something as successful as the proposal from Korea’s Hyundai. Can the manufacturer promote another product as a German payment? It is possible. However, simulating hot cars can also be considered as sending the wrong signal.

This aspect is obviously not done causing debate. Even if the idea of ​​getting a real gear lever isn’t appealing, changing gears with paddles on the steering wheel brings an old-fashioned charm to the electric age. It is something that will touch people who are not intelligent. All this is just one of the technical features of this new Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Numerama will return to all the surprises that this great electric car has in store in a test that will be published soon.

To stay at the forefront of technology development in this thriving ecosystem, subscribe to Watt Else. This is Numerama’s free, jargon-free newsletter about tomorrow’s mobility.

Sign up for I’m on Google News so you don’t miss any news!