Electric vehicles are hard to miss nowadays. Just about every big car company out there has released its version of an EV, and some aren’t stopping at just one model; they’re going full steam ahead into electric-only lines. But while there’s lots of talk about how far the EVs can go, charging stations, and how green they are for the planet, a simpler question tends to get passed over: Why do so many electric vehicles look so darn odd?
Now, it’s not like everyone agrees on what constitutes a good-looking car. Yet, there is a growing consensus among both drivers and folks who really dig cars that many EV designs leave something to be desired. Sure, there are standout beauties in the electric lineups, but overall, it looks like a lot of these newer models trade practicality and that “futuristic” look for just plain looking…well, decent.
For starters, many brands are fixated on making sure you know their vehicle is electric right off the bat. This leads to designs that, while daring, tend to miss the mark on visual appeal. Big light bars, strange shapes, and wonky proportions pop up more and more. In some cases, these EVs fit better at an auto show than on the road.
Take the Tesla Cybertruck as an extreme instance. You either think it’s awesome or you don’t, but nobody walks by it without comment. However, being noticed doesn’t mean being beautiful. Just because something is the only one of its kind on the street doesn’t mean it’s a fantastic design. Often, those strong pushes towards a futuristic look could easily backfire once the immediate wow factor fades.
Additionally, many EVs drop some of the bold personalities we’ve grown fond of in older car models. Traditional sports cars carved out their reputations with distinct designs that matched their inner guts (those engines and exhaust roars). Normal folks could spot a classic Mustang from miles away. Meanwhile, quite a few EVs look nearly alike, with smooth exteriors and simple forms that blend into one another.
This comes partly from a focus on reducing air resistance to increase the driving distance on a single charge. Engineers ace this task because a wide range is key for these cars. Nevertheless, while these rounded hoods and tucked-in rims might pass tests with flying colors, they often fail at creating cars that excite the eye.
And let’s not forget about the front grille dilemma. Historically, car fronts have centered on these iconic grids, which also served as necessary engine coolers for combustion engines. Now that electric engines mostly skip that step, the challenge shifts to reinventing the car face in ways that feel true to the brand’s image. Quite a few attempts still give car fronts a somewhat incomplete vibe.
It isn’t set in stone that all EVs must perpetually lag on aesthetics, though. Several examples already pull off being both efficient and stylish. The core issue isn’t with electric parts themselves; the real hitch lies in current design trends within the shift towards electrified roads.
Moving forward, as EVs become standard, design ideas might soften on hitting customers over the head with ultra-mod looks. Hopefully, this means manufacturers won’t rely solely on sci-fi aesthetics but instead emphasize crafting vehicles that are simply attractive. Up until then, hearing grumbles about the ugly electric vehicle designs is still in the cards.