Method for controlling electric road vehicle for reproducing sound associated with shift, and related road vehicle

Abstract

A control method for a vehicle (1), comprising the steps of: providing a storage unit (20) comprising a plurality of audio files (21) according to at least one vehicle state variable (A, B, C), the plurality of audio files (21) corresponding to a sound of a shift in a plurality of predefined operating configurations (OC); detecting a shift request from the driver (DR) to the shift system interface device (9); detecting an actual operating configuration (AC) as a function of the at least one vehicle state variable (A, B, C); selecting one audio file (21) of the audio files (21) corresponding to the sound of the shift stored in the storage unit (20) according to the actual operation configuration (AC); the selected audio file (21) is played at least in a passenger compartment (3) of the road vehicle (1).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims the priority of Italian Patent Application No. 102023000018570 filed on September 11, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a control method for an electric road vehicle, in particular a car, driven by a driver and to a related road vehicle.

[0004] In particular, the invention finds advantageous, but not exclusive, application in the control of a high performance road vehicle (car) configured to perform racetrack laps, to which reference will be made explicitly in the following description without loss of generality. Background Art

[0005] Historically, in the technological evolution dominated by motor vehicles, it was necessary to introduce a gear shift (or speed) system to overcome the mechanical limitations imposed by the internal combustion (endothermic) engine, which, without a gear shift system, could not cover a sufficient speed range.

[0006] Thus, in particular, a shifting device is used which allows the transmission ratio to be varied to allow multiplication of the torque delivered by the endothermic engine and to adapt the latter's rotational speed to that of the wheels (making it possible to obtain high power even at fairly low forward speeds and to reach high speeds).

[0007] The device in the vast majority of cars is still a mechanically operated gearbox, which allows the driver to choose between different transmission ratios, ie between different gears (the number of gears varies depending on the model of the vehicle), depending on the conditions of use of the vehicle.

[0008] Over the decades, starting from the need for a gearshift system dictated by the limitations of an endothermic engine, the opportunity has arisen to create many types of gearshift systems, in particular gearshift systems of increasingly higher performance (e.g., the well-known dual clutch gearboxes). In this way, the gearshift system has become a distinguishing feature between motor vehicle manufacturers and, as previously mentioned, a tool for the driver to engage when driving a road vehicle.

[0009] Recently, with the popularity of electric powertrains, we are moving away from endothermic engines and therefore introducing at least one electric motor, which solves the need for gear shifting, as it is perfectly capable of quickly providing the necessary torque and going from zero speed to top speed without any transmission problems.

[0010] While electric powertrains tend to improve performance because they are always able to exploit the maximum acceleration available for a given speed, the driver is less engaged when making certain choices, such as which gear to use when entering a corner, or the disengaged feel of the torque meter when upshifting during acceleration or downshifting during deceleration, which reduces driving pleasure, especially in the case of high-performance sports cars.

[0011] It is therefore well known that during their operation, electric motors emit very slight sounds, which are mainly associated with the vibrations of the mechanical parts of the electric motor.

[0012] This introduces the problem of the driver understanding the operating conditions of the electric motor and more generally the performance of a motor vehicle incorporating an electric motor.

[0013] In practice, the above-mentioned performance of motor vehicles from the driver's point of view is not satisfactorily appreciated.

[0014] Therefore, it is believed that there needs to be more emphasis on the performance of motor vehicles, or a greater awareness of such performance among drivers.

[0015] Furthermore, some drivers are very interested in perceiving the sounds associated with the operation of a motor vehicle for reasons of driving pleasure.

[0016] As a result, in a high-performance sports car the sound produced by the electric motor may not be perceptible in the passenger compartment, or in any case it may be at least partially unpleasant.

[0017] Therefore, a need is also felt to increase the driving pleasure of the driver.

[0018] Patent document US2022063494A1 describes a method of controlling an electric motorcycle including a performance and sound simulator.

[0019] Patent document US2015199955A1 describes a system for creating a traditional driving experience in an electric vehicle.

[0020] The object of the present invention is to achieve a control method for an electric road vehicle driven by a driver and a related road vehicle which are at least partially free from the above-mentioned disadvantages and which are simple and inexpensive to implement. Summary of the invention

[0021] According to the present invention, there is provided a control method for an electric road vehicle driven by a driver and a related road vehicle.

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, forming an integral part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show some non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic diagram of a road vehicle provided with an electric powertrain according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of a portion of the interior of a road vehicle with details removed for clarity;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A diagram of a control method for a road vehicle for reproducing sound in a passenger cabin;

[0027] Figure 4 is Figure 3 A diagram of what happens in a first embodiment of the method; and

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] With reference to the accompanying drawings, 1 generally denotes a road vehicle according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the road vehicle 1 is a car.

[0030] The same numerals and the same reference letters in the drawings represent the same elements or components having the same function.

[0031] In the context of the present disclosure, the term "second" component does not imply the presence of a "first" component. These terms are actually used as labels to improve clarity and should not be understood in a limiting manner.

[0032] The elements and features shown in the various preferred embodiments including the drawings may be combined with one another without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present application as described below.

[0033] It should be noted that in the rest of this specification, expressions such as “above”, “below”, “in front of”, “behind” etc. are used with reference to the condition that the road vehicle 1 moves forward normally in the normal direction of advancement D.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown in the non-limiting embodiment, it can also be defined that:

[0035] a longitudinal axis X which is integral with the vehicle 1 and which, in use, is arranged horizontally and parallel to the normal direction of advancement D of the vehicle 1 ;

[0036] a transverse axis Y, integral with the vehicle 1 and arranged, in use, horizontally and orthogonally to the axis X; and

[0037] A vertical axis Z, which is integral with the vehicle 1 and which, in use, is arranged vertically and orthogonally to the X,Y axes.

[0038] In particular, the road vehicle 1 is provided with two front wheels 2 and two rear wheels 2, of which at least one pair are drive wheels.

[0039] The vehicle 1 is provided with a passenger cabin 3 adapted to accommodate one or more users U, e.g. Figure 2 A driver DR and one or more passengers PG are shown.

[0040] exist Figure 1 In a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle 1 comprises an electric drivetrain 4 configured to deliver drive torque to at least two drive wheels 2, in particular arranged at the front axle of the road vehicle 1 (ie the vehicle has front wheel drive).

[0041] In other non-limiting and not shown embodiments, the electric powertrain 4 is arranged at the rear axle (ie the vehicle has rear wheel drive).

[0042] In a further non-limiting and not shown embodiment, the electric drivetrain 4 is arranged at both axles (ie the vehicle has all-wheel drive).

[0043] In particular, each single-shaft drive may be defined by a single electric motor 5 , optionally connected to a differential, or by a pair of electric motors 5 .

[0044] In particular, in the case of all-wheel drive, it may comprise two electric motors 5 (one front and one rear electric motor), three electric motors 5 or one electric motor 5 for each wheel 2 of the road vehicle 1 .

[0045] The vehicle 1 further comprises a vehicle dashboard 6 which is arranged in front of the driver DR and any passenger PG and which is of a known type and which will therefore not be described in detail hereinafter.

[0046] Furthermore, advantageously, the vehicle 1 comprises a gearshift system 9 configured to allow the driver DR to select a virtual gear 8 among a plurality of virtual gears 8 and to switch from one virtual gear to another while driving; in particular, the gearshift system 9 comprises an interface system 7 according to the following description.

[0047] In particular, the selection of the virtual gear 8 by the driver DR influences (limits) the drive torque delivered by the electric motor 5 (in a known manner, which is therefore not described in further detail).

[0048] According to some non-limiting embodiments, each virtual gear 8 determines a torque T limit curve that can be transmitted by the electric drivetrain 4 to the wheels 2 as the speed of the road vehicle 1 changes in the normal forward direction.

[0049] Preferably, considering that the electric powertrain 4 does not require a mechanical gearbox (as in the case of a conventional internal combustion engine), the term "virtual gear" refers to an upper limit imposed on the longitudinal acceleration Ax (positive or negative) and therefore on the traction power (i.e. torque) transmitted to the wheels 2 of the road vehicle 1.

[0050] What is described in this document is specifically considered to be valid in both a thrust (i.e., acceleration) configuration (where the only pedal operated by the driver DR is the accelerator pedal 10) and a release (where no pedal is operated) or braking configuration (where a brake pedal 11 is typically used alongside the pedal 10), such as Figure 2 shown.

[0051] In other words, what has been described remains valid for both virtual 8 upshift increments and virtual 8 downshift increments.

[0052] The road vehicle 1 further comprises a storage unit 20 comprising, as a function of at least one vehicle state variable A, a plurality of audio files 21 corresponding to the sounds of gear shifts 22 in a plurality of predefined operating configurations OC.

[0053] In particular, the audio file 21 relates to the sound of a mechanical gear shift 22 (eg Figures 3 to 5 Schematically outlined in a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Advantageously, the vehicle 1 comprises an electronic control unit 12 (“ECU (electronic control unit)”, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 ), the electronic control unit 12 is configured to detect a shift request of a virtual gear 8 provided by the driver DR to the interface system 7 of the system 9 while driving.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 12 is configured to detect the actual operating configuration AC as a function of at least one vehicle state variable A.

[0056] Furthermore, the control unit 12 is configured to select one of the audio files 21 stored in the storage unit 20 corresponding to the sound of the gear shift 22 according to the actual operation configuration AC.

[0057] Finally, the road vehicle 1 comprises a reproduction system 23 which is connected to the control unit 12 , in particular controlled by the control unit 12 , and which is configured to play the selected audio file 21 at least in the passenger cabin 3 .

[0058] In particular, the reproduction system 23 comprises a stereo system 24 which in turn comprises a plurality of loudspeakers 25 mounted in the passenger cabin 3. In detail, the stereo system 24 is of a known type and will not be described in further detail below.

[0059] According to some non-limiting and not shown embodiments, the reproduction system 23 is configured to reproduce the selected audio file 21 so that the audio file 21 can also be heard from outside the passenger cabin 3, in particular close to / near the road vehicle 1. In this case, the system 23 can be provided with speakers external to the passenger cabin 3 (for example, at the platform or the exhaust pipe).

[0060] Advantageously but not necessarily, the control unit 12 processes, among other things, a plurality of data and regulates the behaviour of the road vehicle 1 in a straight line and when travelling along curves by intervening for example in the management of the torque transmitted by the electric motor 5 towards the drive wheels 2 and any active suspension dampers.

[0061] Physically, the control unit 12 may consist of a single device or of several devices that are separate from each other and communicate via a local network of the road vehicle 1 (eg CAN, Ethernet, etc.).

[0062] Advantageously but not necessarily, such as Figure 2 In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the interface system 7 includes at least one first drive device 13 operable by the driver with his right hand and at least one second drive device 14 operable by the driver with his left hand.

[0063] According to some non-limiting embodiments, one of the first drive device 13 and the second drive device 14 is configured to allow the driver DR to shift to a higher virtual gear 8 (upshift), and the other of the first drive device 13 and the second drive device 14 is configured to allow the driver DR to shift to a lower virtual gear 8 (downshift).

[0064] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the vehicle 1 comprises a steering wheel 15 rotatable about a central steering axis W.

[0065] Preferably, but not in a limiting manner, the first drive device 13 and the second drive device 14 are arranged respectively to the right and to the left of the central turning axis W, in particular symmetrically, in particular facing each other and extending radially from the central turning axis W.

[0066] In some non-limiting cases, the first actuation device 13 is a right paddle 16 (or right lever), and the second actuation device 14 is a left paddle 17 (or left lever) of a shift control assembly 18 of known type and not described in detail hereinafter.

[0067] In other non-limiting and not shown cases, the first actuation device 13 and the second actuation device 14 are buttons, levers or handles.

[0068] Without further limitation and not shown, the first drive device 13 and the second drive device 14 are different from each other and are selected from those previously indicated.

[0069] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the road vehicle 1 is a high performance sports car, ie configured to run laps on a race track to reach speeds above 250 km / h, in particular 300 km / h.

[0070] According to another aspect of the invention, a control method for an electric road vehicle (driven by a driver DR) is provided.

[0071] The above-described road vehicle 1 (in particular the control unit 12 ) is configured to carry out the method to be described below.

[0072] The method comprises a step 30 of providing a storage unit 20 comprising a plurality of audio files 21 corresponding to the sounds of gear shifts 23 in a plurality of predefined operating configurations OC, as a function of at least one vehicle state variable A, B, C.

[0073] In some non-limiting cases, the storage unit 20 is included in the road vehicle 1, i.e., is arranged on-board the road vehicle 1. In other non-limiting cases, the storage unit is decentralized and is interrogated electronically by the road vehicle 1, in particular by the control unit 12, for example via a data network.

[0074] The method further comprises a step 31 of detecting a gear shift request 8 provided by a driver DR to an interface device 7 of a gear shift system 9 .

[0075] In particular, the control unit 12 then detects whether the driver DR requests the vehicle 1 to increase the virtual gear 8 (upshift), for example via the right paddle 16. Obviously, the same considerations also apply to a possible downshift 8.

[0076] Furthermore, the method comprises detecting the actual operating configuration AC as a function of at least one vehicle state variable A, B, C, such as the gear requested by the driver DR, the speed Vx of the road vehicle 1 , the acceleration Ax, the position of the accelerator pedal 10 , the opening state of the roof (if removable), etc. In other words, the method provides for taking a picture of the state in which the road vehicle 1 is located.

[0077] Next, the method comprises the following steps: selecting one of the audio files 21 stored in the storage unit 20 and corresponding to the sound of the gear shift 23 according to the actual operating configuration AC; and playing the selected audio file 21 at least in the passenger compartment 3 of the road vehicle 1 (via the above-mentioned speaker 25).

[0078] The method steps listed above are preferably successive to one another.

[0079] Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, such as Figures 3 to 5 The audio file 21 corresponding to the sound of a gear shift 23 is a recording of a real road vehicle 26 having a mechanical gear shift 23 , which is schematically outlined in an embodiment of FIG.

[0080] In particular, the road vehicle 26 is advantageously, but not necessarily, a vehicle having an internal combustion engine.

[0081] In some non-limiting cases, the road vehicle 26 is a historic automobile, ie, an automobile that was manufactured at least 20 years ago.

[0082] In particular, the model of the real road vehicle 26 for selecting the audio file 21 can be selected by the driver DR by means of another vehicle (eg vehicle screen 19 ) or a remotely operated interface device 27 (eg mobile phone or tablet, via a special software application).

[0083] In some non-limiting and not shown cases, the audio files 21 are artificially generated according to predefined categories. For example, the driver DR can choose whether to play an audio file 21 with historical, modern or futuristic, adrenaline-filled, relaxing sounds through another interface device 27, for example, by synthesizing appropriate sounds for each category (for example, which may correspond to the emotions of the driver DR).

[0084] Obviously, intermediate embodiments are also possible, for example in which the driver DR randomly selects to play the audio file 21 among a plurality of historical models whose mechanical gear shifts from one gear to another have been acoustically recorded.

[0085] According to some preferred but non-limiting embodiments, Figures 3 to 5As schematically shown in FIG. 3 , the method further comprises a further step 32 of recording an audio file 21 by recording the sounds of a plurality of gearshifts 22 of at least one real vehicle 26 in a plurality of predefined operating configurations OC. In particular, the sound of each gearshift (e.g., from second gear to third gear, from third gear to fourth gear, from fourth gear to fifth gear, from second gear to fourth gear, from third gear to fifth gear, etc. and vice versa) is recorded with the aid of a special recording device 28 at different continuous longitudinal velocities Vx and / or different continuous longitudinal accelerations Ax and / or for different positions of the accelerator pedal 10 (and / or an optionally openable roof, etc.).

[0086] Thus, advantageously, but not in a limiting way, the predefined operating configuration OC and the actual operating configuration AC are defined by at least a first vehicle state variable A and a second vehicle state variable B.

[0087] In particular, the first vehicle state variable A comprises (is) the gear to be engaged (optionally adding the starting gear if one wants to distinguish between these cases).

[0088] In particular, the second vehicle state variable B comprises (is) the longitudinal speed Vx of the road vehicle 1 .

[0089] In some non-limiting cases, the predefined operating configuration OC and the actual operating configuration AC are also defined by a third vehicle state variable C which in particular comprises (is) the longitudinal acceleration Ax (positive or negative) of the road vehicle 1 .

[0090] Preferably, but not in a limiting manner, in order to reduce the number of recordings and therefore the number of samples of the audio file 21 in the storage unit 20, the method discretizes each variable A, B, C (especially variables B and C, since they are potentially continuous) by dividing them into a finite set of values. For example, for a value of variable B in the set of 10 km / h, the same audio file 21 is played, i.e. for values ​​from 20 to 30 km / h, the same audio file 21 is played, and for values ​​from 30 to 40 km / h, the same audio file 21 is played, and so on.

[0091] Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, and as Figure 4 and Figure 5 In a non-limiting embodiment of , in order to produce a randomization effect, i.e. to avoid that in the same actual operating configuration AC, the driver DR may be aware that he or she is listening to the same audio file 21, the method comprises a randomization step 33 of the selection of the audio file 21. In this way, it is therefore avoided that the same sound is always reproduced in the same actual operating configuration AC.

[0092] Specifically, in Figures 3 to 5In FIG. 2 , the selected audio file 21 is highlighted by a selection edge S. In FIG.

[0093] exist Figure 3 In a non-limiting embodiment, the selected audio file 21 completely corresponds to the actual operating configuration AC.

[0094] according to Figure 4 , wherein the randomization step 33 comprises: step 34, randomly selecting an audio file 21 from a group of audio files 21 corresponding to the same predefined operation configuration OC. Therefore, in particular, a plurality of audio files 21 correspond to the same predefined operation configuration OC, wherein one audio file 21 is randomly / randomly (or rotatedly) selected according to a known randomization method, and therefore will not be described in detail below.

[0095] according to Figure 5 In the second non-limiting embodiment shown in , the randomization step 33 comprises: a step 35 of randomly deviating a value ε less than a threshold Δ of at least one state variable A, B, C of the actual operating configuration AC, so as to obtain a randomized actual configuration RAC. Therefore, in this case, according to the randomized actual configuration RAC, an audio file 21 is selected to be played by the reproduction system 23. In particular, the threshold Δ of the variable B is less than 5 km / h.

[0096] Preferably, but not in a limiting way, during the deviation step 35 , the value of the longitudinal velocity Vx (or acceleration Ax) of the actual configuration is randomized increased or decreased by a (predefined) error to obtain a randomized actual configuration RAC and then the audio file 21 is selected.

[0097] Compared to the first embodiment described above, this second embodiment allows the amount of audio files 21 that the storage unit 20 has to store to be significantly reduced.

[0098] Preferably, but not by way of limitation, and as Figures 3 to 5 In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the audio file 21 populates a matrix 29 having dimensions A, B, C for each state variable.

[0099] In particular, a two-dimensional matrix 29 is shown, having dimensions of variable A and dimensions of variable B.

[0100] In other non-limiting cases, the matrix 29 is three-dimensional or multi-dimensional, having dimensions for each vehicle state variable A, B, C, . . . .

[0101] Thus, in accordance with what has been described so far, according to the actual operating configuration AC (optionally randomized as described above), the box P of the matrix 29 corresponding to the audio file 21 to be played is selected.

[0102] In other words, the matrix 29 corresponds to a look-up table, the values ​​of which (instead of scalar values) are the audio files 21 to be selected. Alternatively, of course, the boxes of the matrix 29 are filled with pointers to memory areas containing the respective corresponding audio files 21.

[0103] Advantageously, but not in a limiting manner, a time equal to or less than 1 second, in particular 500 ms, more particularly 250 ms, preferably 150 ms, elapses between the detection step and the reproduction step.

[0104] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the control unit 12 continuously selects (for example periodically at intervals less than 2 seconds) the audio file 21 to be played according to the actual operating configuration AC so as to always have it ready for reproduction as soon as the driver DR requests a gearshift 8 .

[0105] Thus, in use, the driver DR selects a model of road vehicle 26 from a predetermined range (e.g. Ferrari 250 GTO or F1) and arbitrarily changes the virtual gear 8, thereby changing the percentage of torque transmitted by the electric powertrain 4 to the drive wheels 2. In particular, the gear shift is performed with the aid of the interface system 7 (e.g. paddles 16 and 17). As soon as the unit 12 detects a gear shift (e.g. a so-called "paddle shift", i.e. a movement of one of the paddles 16, 17 towards the driver), the control unit 12 commands the reproduction system 23 to play the selected audio file 21 as described above, e.g. the sound of the selected gear shift of the vehicle 26 from third gear to fourth gear at a specific speed. In this way, the driver DR perceives the transients brought about by the gear shift, which increases the driving pleasure.

[0106] Although the above invention specifically mentions a very precise embodiment, it should not be considered as being limited to this embodiment, since all such variations, modifications or simplifications covered by the appended claims (such as different types of electrification, different types of interface systems 7, different types of virtual gears, etc.) fall within their scope.

[0107] The above-described vehicle and method have many advantages.

[0108] Firstly, the present invention can make the sound of electric vehicles more attractive and engaging, thus enhancing the driving pleasure.

[0109] In addition, even from an auditory point of view, the driver can be aware of the shifts performed from one gear to another, even if they are virtual. In this way, the driver can also be more involved in the possible actions of the automatic electronic control system.

[0110] Another advantage of the present invention is that driving pleasure is further increased by the fact that it appears more customizable by selecting the type of sound of the gear shifting based on personal taste, perceived preference when driving on a track, or emotional state.

[0111] Finally, the control method described above is simple and cheap to implement in a road vehicle 1 , since it does not require the addition of any physical components and can be implemented entirely in software by exploiting architecture that is typically already present on the road vehicle 1 .

[0112] It is important to note that the above method does not involve high computing capacity nor large amounts of storage and can therefore be implemented in known control units without the need for updating or upgrading.

[0113] Reference numerals

[0114] 1 Vehicle

[0115] 2 wheels

[0116] 3 Cabins

[0117] 4 Electric powertrain

[0118] 5. Electric Motor

[0119] 6. Dashboard

[0120] 7 interface system

[0121] 8 virtual gears

[0122] 9-gear shift system

[0123] 10 Accelerator pedal

[0124] 11Brake pedal

[0125] 12Control Unit

[0126] 13First drive device

[0127] 14 Second drive device

[0128] 15. Steering Wheel

[0129] 16Right paddle

[0130] 17 Left paddle

[0131] 18 shift control assembly

[0132] 19 Vehicle Screens

[0133] 20 storage units

[0134] 21 audio files

[0135] 22 Gear Shift

[0136] 23 Reproduction System

[0137] 24 stereo system

[0138] 25 speakers

[0139] 26Road vehicles

[0140] 27 Additional interface devices

[0141] 28 Recording equipment

[0142] 29 Matrix

[0143] 30 Steps to provide storage

[0144] 31 Detection steps

[0145] 32 Recording Steps

[0146] 33 Randomization Steps

[0147] 34Selection Steps

[0148] 35 Deviation Steps

[0149] A variable

[0150] AC actual operation configuration

[0151] Ax acceleration

[0152] B variable

[0153] C variables

[0154] D. Direction of advance

[0155] DR Driver

[0156] G Virtual gear selected

[0157] OC predefined operation configuration

[0158] P-Frame

[0159] PG Passengers

[0160] RAC randomizes actual configuration

[0161] S Select edge

[0162] UUser

[0163] Vx Speed

[0164] X axis

[0165] Y axis

[0166] Z axis

[0167] ΔThreshold

[0168] ε Error value

Claims

1. A control method for an electric road vehicle (1), the electric road vehicle (1) comprising an electric drivetrain (4) configured to transmit drive torque to at least two wheels (2) of the road vehicle (1) by means of at least one electric motor (5); the road vehicle (1) comprising a gear shifting system (9) allowing a driver (DR) to select one of a plurality of virtual gears (8) and to switch from one virtual gear to another virtual gear while driving; The method is characterized in that it comprises the following steps: Providing a storage unit (20) storing a plurality of audio files (21) according to at least one vehicle state variable (A, B, C), the plurality of audio files (21) corresponding to the sounds of gear shifting in a plurality of predefined operating configurations (OC); detecting a gear shift request from the driver (DR) via a gear shift system interface device (9); detecting an actual operating configuration (AC) based on the at least one vehicle state variable (A, B, C); selecting, according to the actual operation configuration (AC), one of the audio files (21) stored in the storage unit (20) and corresponding to the gear shifting sound; The selected audio file (21) is played at least in the passenger compartment (3) of the road vehicle (1).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The audio file (21) corresponding to the gear shifting sound is a recording from a real road vehicle (26) having a mechanical gear shift; in particular, the model of the real road vehicle (26) used to select the audio file (21) can be selected by the driver (DR) with the aid of another vehicle or a remotely operated interface device (27).

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising the steps of: The audio file (21) is recorded by recording the sounds of the plurality of gear shifts of the at least one real road vehicle (26) in the plurality of predefined operating configurations (OC).

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The predefined operating configuration (OC) and the actual operating configuration (AC) are defined by at least a first vehicle state variable (A) and a second vehicle state variable (B); wherein the first vehicle state variable (A) includes a gear to be engaged; wherein the second vehicle state variable (B) includes a speed (Vx) of the road vehicle (1).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The predefined operating configuration (OC) and the actual operating configuration (AC) are further defined by a third vehicle state variable (C); wherein the third vehicle state variable (C) comprises an acceleration of the road vehicle (1).

6. The method according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: The selection of the audio files (21) is randomized to prevent the same operating configuration from always playing the same sound.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The randomization step comprises the steps of randomly selecting an audio file (21) from a set of audio files (21) corresponding to the same predefined operational configuration (OC).

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The randomization step comprises the following steps: randomly deviating from a value of a threshold value (Δ) of at least one of the state variables less than the actual operating configuration (AC) to obtain a randomized actual configuration (RAC); wherein the audio file (21) is selected according to the randomized actual configuration (RAC).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one state variable (A, B, C) is the longitudinal speed (Vx) of the road vehicle (1), wherein during the deviation step the value of the longitudinal speed (Vx) of the actual operating configuration (AC) is randomly increased or decreased by an error (ε) to obtain the randomized actual configuration (RAC) and then the audio file (21) is selected.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The audio file (21) fills a matrix (29) having a dimension for each of the state variables (A, B, C); wherein, according to the actual operating configuration (AC), a box (P) corresponding to the matrix (29) of the audio file (21) to be played is selected.

11. A road vehicle (1) comprising: Four wheels (2), at least two of which are driving wheels (2); a passenger cabin (3) configured to accommodate at least one driver (DR); an electric drivetrain (4) configured to transmit drive torque to at least two drive wheels (2) by means of at least one electric motor (5); a gear shifting system (9) configured to allow the driver (DR) to select one of a plurality of virtual gears (8) and to shift from one virtual gear to another virtual gear while driving; The vehicle is characterized in that it also includes: A storage unit (20) storing a plurality of audio files (21) according to at least one vehicle state variable (A, B, C), the plurality of audio files (21) corresponding to the sounds of gear shifting in a plurality of predefined operating configurations (OC); A control unit (12) configured to: detecting a gear shift request provided by the driver (DR) via the gear shift system (9); detecting an actual operating configuration (AC) based on at least one vehicle state variable (A, B, C); selecting, according to the actual operation configuration (AC), one of the audio files (21) stored in the storage unit (20) and corresponding to the gear shifting sound; A reproduction system (23) is connected to the control unit (12) and is configured to play the selected audio file (21) at least in the cabin (3).

12. A road vehicle (1) according to claim 11, wherein: The reproduction system (23) comprises a stereo system (24), which in turn comprises a plurality of loudspeakers (25) installed in the passenger cabin (3).

13. A road vehicle (1) according to claim 11, wherein: The reproduction system (23) is configured to reproduce the audio file (21) so that the audio file (21) can also be heard from outside the cabin (3).

14. A road vehicle (1) according to claim 11, wherein: The gear shift system (9) comprises an interface system (7) configured to allow the driver (DR) to select a virtual gear from a plurality of virtual gears (8); wherein the interface system (7) comprises at least one first drive device (13) operable by the driver (DR) with his right hand and at least one second drive device (14) operable by the driver (DR) with his left hand; One of the first drive device (13) and the second drive device (14) is configured to allow the driver (DR) to shift to a higher virtual gear, and the other of the first drive device (13) and the second drive device (14) is configured to allow the driver (DR) to shift to a lower virtual gear.

15. A road vehicle (1) according to claim 14, comprising a steering wheel (15), wherein: The steering wheel (15) can rotate around a central steering axis. The first drive device (13) and the second drive device (14) are paddles arranged on the right and left sides of the central steering axis, respectively, preferably symmetrically, in particular facing each other and extending radially from the central steering axis.

16. A road vehicle (1) according to claim 11, wherein: The control unit (12) is configured to perform the method according to claim 1.

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