12 stories tagged design on EV Digest.
Many modern vehicles, including some with electrified powertrains, now feature decorative elements designed to resemble exhaust tips. These cosmetic additions often conceal the actual exhaust outlet or exist solely for aesthetic purposes on electric models. This trend is driven by design preferences and the evolving nature of vehicle propulsion.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has indicated it will develop new rules for vehicle door latch and lock systems. This move stems from a petition highlighting safety concerns with electronic door releases, particularly in emergency situations. The potential new standards could impact Tesla and other automakers using non-mechanical door handles across their vehicle lineups.
Avery Dennison Performance Tapes has published a new guide to help engineers and decision-makers navigate the complexities of EV battery design and manufacturing. The "EV battery electrical insulation design guide" focuses on the use of dielectric tapes, including their Volt Tough portfolio, as a critical solution for electrical insulation within battery systems.
Elon Musk has hinted at making the design specifications for the Tesla Model S and Model X open source, drawing parallels to a similar, albeit limited, release for the original Roadster. This announcement revives skepticism, as the previous 'open-source' effort for the Roadster primarily involved a few technical documents and design files without a clear open-source license.
The latest review looks at the differences between a vehicle's appearance and its actual performance. With EVs being particularly quick, the industry is seeing a growing split between sporty aesthetics and straight-line speed. This leads to some vehicles setting an expectation through design that isn't always met by their powertrain.
MG has revealed its latest electric vehicle concept, dubbed "GO!", showcasing a futuristic design that could influence the brand's upcoming production models. While primarily a design study, the concept offers a glimpse into MG's evolving aesthetic for its electric lineup, blending bold styling with advanced features.
The BMW iX, initially met with derision for its distinctive "kidney grille" and unconventional styling, has developed a surprising fan base. Despite not fitting the traditional "Ultimate Driving Machine" mold, this electric SUV offers a luxurious, technology-rich interior and enjoyable electric performance, proving that unconventional design can sometimes lead to unexpected affection.
In a survey of the best-looking models from various automakers, the Audi TT and BMW iX earned recognition for their distinctive designs. While the TT was celebrated for its enduring appeal and clean aesthetic, the iX stood out as a leader in BMW's modern EV design language, showcasing how electric vehicles are pushing aesthetic boundaries.
The Audi TT has been lauded as the most aesthetically pleasing model from the German manufacturer, a choice made by Autocar as part of a broader review of classic and contemporary automotive designs. This selection comes at a time when EV design is increasingly pushing the boundaries of automotive aesthetics, competing with and often surpassing the visual appeal of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Despite its controversial styling, including a large grille and unusual body panels, the all-electric BMW iX has earned a soft spot among UK automotive journalists. They praise its plush interior, advanced technology, and surprisingly enjoyable driving dynamics.
British luxury automaker Jaguar is fully committing to an electric-only lineup, set to unveil its new flagship BEV model this fall with deliveries starting next year. This strategic pivot involves a radical departure from its traditional elegant curves towards a more assertive, blunt aesthetic, a move that has garnered both attention and criticism from industry observers.
The late designer Luigi Colani, known for his organic, aerodynamic forms, envisioned a future of automobiles including several electric and hybrid concepts decades ago. His forward-thinking designs, showcased at events like Automorrow '89, illustrate an early exploration into alternative powertrains and sustainable mobility. Colani's work highlights how certain EV concepts have been around for longer than many realize.
