The 2027 Taycan from Porsche will feature virtual E-Shift gears connected to actual paddle shifters.

      Porsche is attempting to address one of the key issues with EV hardware through software.

      While electric performance cars have achieved impressive speed, particularly in straight-line driving, they still fall short in replicating the engaging sensation of traditional sports cars. Elements such as gear changes, revs, and the physical feedback that brings a sports car to life are absent.

      Porsche believes it can remedy this with software, and the upcoming 2027 Taycan update represents its most significant effort in this regard. This model features a system called E-Shift, which introduces eight virtual gears that can be controlled via paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

      How does the E-Shift system in the Taycan operate?

      Each virtual gear possesses unique power delivery characteristics akin to conventional sports cars, with lower gears providing a more aggressive feel and higher gears optimized for smoothness and speed.

      When shifting, the vehicle briefly modifies its power output to simulate a gear change, accompanied by a noticeable jolt, referred to by Porsche as a shift jerk.

      This system also features a virtual tachometer, gear indicator, and shift lights displayed on the instrument panel. The Porsche Electric Sport Sound enhances the experience further, adjusting in real-time to correspond with throttle input and simulated engine speed.

      What other features are included in the 2027 Porsche Taycan?

      Drivers can operate the Porsche Taycan manually with the paddle shifters or deactivate the E-Shift system for a traditional full-EV driving experience. The Taycan Turbo GT includes E-Shift as standard, while other variants can opt for it.

      In addition to E-Shift, buyers can now order the Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach Package, which includes a Manthey Kit installed at the factory—marking the first time Porsche offers this option for an EV.

      Software updates can also be downloaded and installed remotely, without needing a dealership visit. The main display features a rotating 3D model of the vehicle in its actual exterior color, along with customizable widgets that can be arranged like a smartphone home screen. Navigation now includes 3D building representations and a more intuitive charging planner for extended journeys.

      For over five years, Shikhar has consistently simplified advancements in consumer technology and communicated them effectively...

      BYD's Great Tang electric SUV boasts a 10-minute charging time and a 590-mile range, starting at $40,000. With impressive specifications, record pre-orders, none are set to arrive in America.

      BYD has just introduced the Great Tang, a full-size electric SUV that offers a range comparable to traditional gasoline vehicles and refuels (recharges) in a reasonable time. Priced around $35,500, it poses a tough challenge to most American electric SUVs.

      BMW is accepting orders for the i3 ahead of schedule due to a fortunate issue—overwhelming demand.

      BMW intended to start selling the new i3 sedan this fall, but it has chosen to open orders this week instead due to an unexpectedly high demand for the vehicle, which prompted the company to avoid making buyers wait.

      China has established new EV safety regulations that the US should consider adopting.

      New mandatory battery fire protections and hard power cutoffs illustrate what a stricter EV safety framework could look like in the U.S. Starting July 1, 2026, two national standards in China will mandate enhanced battery protection measures and an immediate, one-touch method to disengage high-voltage power during emergencies. These regulations target critical safety concerns related to battery fires, crash damage, smoke exposure, and emergency access after serious incidents.