Honda is gearing up to redefine the EV driving experience with a bold, innovative step—simulated gear shifts and artificial engine sounds in its next-generation electric vehicles. As the automotive world rapidly moves toward an electrified future, one of the biggest criticisms EVs face is the lack of emotional engagement that traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars offer. Honda aims to bridge this sensory gap and bring back the thrill of driving, even in a fully electric world.
The upcoming generation of Honda EVs will incorporate software-driven gear-shift dynamics and engine-like sound effects to make driving more interactive and enjoyable. This technology blends digital simulation with genuine driving physics to create an immersive experience without compromising efficiency.
In this blog, we explore why Honda is adopting this strategy, how the technology works, what benefits it offers, and how it could reshape the future of electric mobility.
Why Is Honda Adding Gear Shifts and Engine Sounds to EVs?
Electric vehicles are known for their smooth power delivery, silent operation, and instant torque. While these qualities offer efficiency and refinement, they sometimes diminish one crucial element—emotional connection.
Many car enthusiasts argue that EVs lack the involving feel of traditional cars. No gear changes, no engine revs, no vibrations. Honda understands this sentiment deeply, and with its long motorsport heritage, the brand knows the thrill of driving better than most.
✅ Purpose Behind Honda’s Move:
- To make EVs more engaging for enthusiasts
- To recreate the excitement of revving and shifting gears
- To retain the sporty character of Honda vehicles
- To differentiate Honda EVs in a crowded market
- To attract traditional petrol/diesel car lovers
Honda is blending the best of both worlds—electric efficiency with ICE-like emotions.
How Simulated Gear Shifts Will Work in Honda EVs
Unlike ICE cars, EVs don’t need gears to operate efficiently because electric motors provide immediate torque from 0 RPM. However, Honda intends to implement software-based shifts that mimic the feel of gear changes.
✅ Key Aspects of Honda’s Simulated Gear Shift System:
1. Virtual RPM Mapping
The EV motor will have a digitally controlled “RPM range” that rises and falls like a petrol engine. When the “RPM” hits a certain limit, the system will simulate an upshift.
2. Torque Drop Simulation
During a gear change, a slight reduction in torque will be introduced to replicate the sensation of shifting gear—similar to how an ICE car behaves.
3. Paddleshifters for Manual Simulation
Honda may offer steering-mounted paddleshifters to allow selected models to simulate a manual-style driving experience.
4. Drive Modes with Different Shift Behaviours
Possible drive modes include:
- Sport: aggressive shifts, louder engine sound
- Normal: smoother virtual shifting
- Comfort: minimal simulated shifts
- Track: high RPM simulation, rapid shifts
5. Software-Driven Power Delivery
The motor’s power curve will be modulated to match the simulated gear transitions, making the experience feel ultra-realistic.
This clever mix of programming and motor control is what brings ICE-like drama into an EV.
Artificial Engine Sounds: Bringing Back The Roar
One of the biggest emotional triggers in any performance car is its engine sound. Honda understands this, and its next-gen EVs will offer customizable sound profiles.
✅ What Kind of Artificial Sounds Can We Expect?
1. ICE-Inspired Sounds
Simulated noise of traditional engines, such as:
- High-revving Honda VTEC-like sound
- Turbocharged engine rumble
- Sporty exhaust notes
2. Futuristic EV Tones
High-tech sci-fi-style sounds for users who want a modern feel.
3. Customizable Sound Packs
Honda could introduce downloadable sound packs that users can choose from depending on their preference.
✅ How the System Works
- Speakers inside the cabin simulate engine-like audio.
- Low-frequency vibrations may mimic real engine pulses.
- The sound is synced with virtual RPM and gear shifts.
- Exterior pedestrian-warning sounds may blend with the system for added safety.
This creates a multi-layered experience that combines sound, feel, and driving dynamics.
Honda’s Inspiration: Motorsport DNA
Honda’s decision isn’t random—it comes from its rich motorsport history.
✅ From VTEC to Formula 1
Honda’s legendary VTEC engines were known for their thrilling high-RPM kicks and engaging sound. The brand also has a long legacy in MotoGP and Formula 1, where sound, power delivery, and gear changes are critical to driving excitement.
With EVs becoming the future, Honda wants to ensure its vehicles retain the brand’s identity—fun to drive, energetic, and emotionally powerful.
Benefits of Simulated Gear Shifts & Sounds
Honda’s new technology is more than just a gimmick; it offers meaningful advantages.
✅ 1. Increased Driver Engagement
EVs can now offer the same excitement that petrol engines provide, making the transition easier for traditional car lovers.
✅ 2. Better Control & Sporty Feel
Simulated gears allow drivers to control the power delivery during spirited driving.
✅ 3. Enhanced Performance Driving
Track days and spirited highway runs feel more involving when you have shifts and rev-like feedback.
✅ 4. Learning Curve for New EV Customers
Drivers accustomed to ICE vehicles will find EVs more relatable.
✅ 5. Brand Identity Preservation
Honda maintains its sporty DNA even in an electric world.
Possible Models to Feature the Technology
While Honda hasn’t confirmed specific models yet, it is expected that:
- Upcoming Honda performance EVs
- Future electric Civic-based models
- New e:N series EVs
- Honda-Acura shared EV platforms
…will likely get simulated shifts and sounds first.
Performance-oriented EVs will especially benefit from this experience.
Will Honda Let Users Turn the Feature Off?
Yes, Honda is expected to offer full customization.
Options may include:
- Turn off simulated engine sounds
- Disable virtual gear shifts
- Choose between mild, moderate, or aggressive modes
- Customize sound profiles
This ensures that both purists and enthusiasts get what they want.
What This Means for the Future of EVs
Honda’s approach could influence the entire EV industry. Many carmakers are exploring the idea of artificial soundscapes, but Honda’s combination of gear shift simulation + engine sound + torque modulation could set a new benchmark.
✅ Future Impact:
- More brands may adopt driving-emotion features
- EV tuning and sound customization may become mainstream
- Software-based performance features will open new possibilities
- EVs will become more emotionally engaging than ICE cars
Conclusion: Honda Brings Emotion Back into EVs
Honda’s next-gen EV technology marks a major turning point in the world of electric mobility. By bringing back engine sounds, virtual gear shifts, and sporty feedback, Honda is making EVs not just efficient—but exciting.
This blend of engineering and software recreates the sensations that drivers love, proving that the future of electric driving doesn’t have to be silent or emotionless. Instead, it can be thrilling, immersive, and truly unforgettable.
As Honda prepares to roll out its next wave of electric vehicles, the automotive world waits eagerly to see how these features transform the EV driving experience.