BYD offers its all-electric e3 sedan with fake stick shift for driving schools

Can you imagine an electric car switched manually? Well, there’s the Fukang e-Elysee, an affordable sedan that uses a stick shift to keep the prices down. And then there’s the new BYD e3, a battery-powered sedan that imitates mechanical gear switching to help young drivers learn the ropes.

The original BYD e3 came out a few years ago. It is 4,450 mm long and only sells with a 95-HP (71-kW) electric motor linked to a 47.3-kWh traction battery. The new entry-level spec revealed today reduces the battery to 38 kilowatt-hours, replaces the infotainment system with a very basic radio, and encases seats in cheap vinyl.

This version of the e3 also boasts a 5-speed manual gear lever, a clutch pedal, all the necessary electronics, and a tachometer. All of the above is disconnected from reality, because the car is not manual. Just what is it, then? BYD has not provided a clear explanation yet, so those interested will have to wait. All we know is that the fake equipment will be used for driving courses.

Other changes from the original e3 include a different paint scheme, a honk button, redesigned side mirrors, and a dedicated brake pedal.