Electric vehicles (EVs) aren’t just changing what powers your car—they’re shaking up how your car looks, feels, and functions in ways that are kind of wild. Without big gas engines or exhaust pipes to work around, designers suddenly have a ton of freedom to get weird with it. And surprise—they’re using that freedom. Think spaceship vibes, extra storage in places you didn’t expect, and steering wheels that look like game controllers. Here’s why the future of car design is about to get a whole lot stranger, and honestly, kind of exciting.
Goodbye Grilles Hello Smooth Faces
Without a gas engine that needs airflow, EVs don’t need traditional front grilles. That means designers are ditching those giant mouth-like openings and going sleek and closed-off. Some EVs have totally smooth faces that look like high-end toasters in the best way. It’s minimal, modern, and a little bit weird—but in a cool sci-fi kind of way. Just don’t expect your EV to smile at you like your old Jeep did.
Front Trunks Are Now a Thing
Say hello to the frunk. Since there’s no engine hogging up space up front, that area becomes bonus storage. Some EVs even add built-in drains so you can use it as a cooler. Seriously. Others let you open it with your phone and show off just how much you can fit in there. It’s like finding a hidden closet you didn’t know you needed.
Dashboards Are Turning Into Giant Screens
Old-school dashboards had knobs, dials, and buttons. Now? They’re starting to look more like living room TVs. EVs are leading the charge (pun very intended) in going all-digital, with wide screens that stretch across the entire dash. Some cars even let you watch Netflix while charging or parked. Just don’t expect to find the volume knob on the first try.
Weird Steering Wheels Are Trending
With EVs pushing the limits, some are swapping classic steering wheels for new shapes—like yokes or rectangles. The goal is futuristic style with better visibility and space-saving perks. But let’s be real: turning with a yoke takes some getting used to. Still, if you’ve ever wanted to feel like a spaceship pilot in traffic, this is your moment.
Headlights Are Getting Extra Fancy
Designers are playing with lighting like never before. LED headlights can now move, flash patterns, or even “wink” when you lock the doors. Some EVs use pixel-style lighting that can display messages or symbols. Are they practical? Not always. But they definitely make a statement when you’re pulling into the grocery store parking lot.
Interior Layouts Are Getting Loungey
No gas engine, no big transmission tunnel—just wide-open space inside. EV designers are making the most of it by rethinking how seats and storage are arranged. Some interiors now feel more like minimalist lounges than cars. With flat floors and rotating seats in some concept models, road trips are about to feel like mobile living rooms.
Sound Design Is a Whole New Art
EVs are quiet—like eerily quiet. So designers are adding artificial sounds to make them feel more alive. Some mimic futuristic hums, while others let you customize the sound of your car accelerating. It’s like choosing a ringtone but for your driving vibes. And yes, some cars even play ambient sounds inside just to set a mood.
Taillights Are Getting Bolder and Weirder
From full-width light bars to geometric brake lights, rear design is getting a major upgrade. EVs give more creative freedom out back since there’s no exhaust to plan around. Some brands are using taillights to signal charging progress or unlock animations. Basically, your car might be able to say “hi” with lights before you even touch the door handle.
Some Cars Have No Rear Windows
Yep, that’s a thing. Since cameras and sensors can give full rear visibility, some EVs are ditching back windows entirely. Instead, you look at a screen that shows what’s behind you. It frees up design and adds safety features—but takes some trust. If you’re a mirror-checker by habit, this might take a minute to love.
Designers Are Letting Their Weird Flags Fly
From cyberpunk trucks to pod-shaped city cars, EVs have given designers the green light to get weird. With fewer rules and more room to play, cars are starting to look less like cars and more like design experiments. Not every idea will stick—but the ones that do could totally change what we think a car should look like. So buckle up—because the future of car design is only getting weirder.
