Electric cars have been around for a while but it’s only in the last five years that they’ve really begun to gain popularity. It's not hard to see why. Electric cars are eco-friendly and sustainable, and they have lower operating costs than conventional cars.
Summary: They provide a noiseless and smooth driving experience, and their acceleration capabilities can match or exceed those of traditional sports cars. But what about their design aesthetic?
In the past, electric cars have been designed with a focus on practicality, rather than style. However, with the surge in popularity of electric cars, automakers are beginning to take a different approach to their design. Here are some important design trends to watch out for:
Minimalism and Simplicity
One of the most significant shifts in the design of electric cars is a move towards minimalism and simplicity. Electric cars do not have traditional engines, so designers have more freedom to create sleek and streamlined exterior and interior features. The emphasis is on the clean lines and uncluttered look that transforms the electric vehicle into a work of art in motion.
Advantages:
- Simpler design enables better aerodynamics and energy efficiency
- A pleasing minimalist design appeals to a wider audience
Glass
Glass is becoming an increasingly popular material in the design of electric cars. It offers a sleek appearance and can make the interior feel more spacious. Huge windshields, panoramic roofs or sunroofs give drivers the feel of openness and airiness in what would normally be a confined space, making the car’s interior design stand out.
Advantages:
- Increased use of glass in design makes vehicles feel more spacious and open
- Glass also offers a sleek and modern appearance
Lights
LED and OLED lights, which can be moulded into virtually any shape, are being used to create dynamic design features, marking the future direction of electric vehicle design today. Headlights and taillights are used to create motion graphics, while light can also be used to highlight the vehicle’s shape in a tasteful way. LEDs are Very slim, allowing designers to create fully integrated lighting designs that significantly reduce the number of separate components and make it less bulky, so it gracefully blends as part of the car’s form.
Advantages:
- Lighting provides additional safety while driving
- LEDs enable the easy creation of customised lighting designs that set electric cars apart
Customisation
Another trend that is seeing more attention is the ability for drivers to customise their electric cars, in terms of both functional capabilities and visual features. As automakers look for ways to differentiate their electric cars from the competition, customisation is becoming an important aspect of the design process. Options range from body and wheel colours and trims to interior upholstery, allowing drivers to truly make their electric car unique.
Advantages:
- The ability to personalise an electric car can increase consumer loyalty
- Customisation allows consumers to showcase their individuality and sets their electric car apart from others on the road
Wrap Up
As automakers continue to innovate, expect electric cars to become increasingly stylish and dynamic, while catering to the unique demands of environmentally-conscious consumers. The future of electric car design could potentially be a bold new era of design and the above trends could inspire what the future holds. The real challenge would be for automakers to take desirable features from each of these trends and incorporate them into a sustainable, beautifully designed EV model.
Statistics support the push for the electric vehicle design trend. The Global electric vehicle market demand was valued at USD 105.58 billion in 2019 and is expected to rise to USD 346.26 billion by 2027. This surge in demand is an indication that electric car design trend is here to stay. With more research into innovative design ideas, electric cars of the future will continue to become more appealing and accessible to a wider audience.