As an EV driver I’m baffled as to why anyone would want manual. The only real advantages afaik in ICE are better torque control and engine braking, both of which don’t make any sense in an EV. Maybe in an incredibly wimpy EV
I'd argue the majority of manual fans are into them not for any utilitarian reason, rather it's all about the enjoyment that comes from controlling a fun (i.e interesting powerband, characterful sound) engine with a satisfying shifter. Think of it like playing a musical instrument.
I highly doubt manuals will catch on for EVs because the electric motors are super smooth and their torque makes gears irrelevant (the Porsche Taycan being an outlier here).