For all their benefits – greatly reduced maintenance costs, the ability to charge the battery right at home, nearly silent operation, and much more – electric vehicles are still missing something, and it’s hard to put your finger on exactly what. Broadly speaking, compared to combustion-powered cars and trucks, EVs can feel a bit too sanitary, like they have no soul. But all is not lost as the automotive industry transitions from fossil fuels to electricity, EVs can deliver an experience that’s superior to conventional vehicles, at least that’s what Volvo’s head of design said in a recent interview.
Where’s The Poetry?
“When you remove the engine, when you remove the visceral connection to the automotive experience, what do you replace that with?” asked Jeremy Offer, the global head of design at Volvo in an interview with Dezeen, a magazine that focuses on subjects like architecture and interiors. “It becomes a more sterile experience,” the executive continued, “So when we’re working with the design of fully electric cars, we ask, ‘where’s the poetry?’”
Despite these challenges, Offer said that EVs can still deliver a driving experience that exceeds what can be provided by gasoline- and diesel-powered cars and trucks. This can be achieved, he said, by adding “moments of functional delight.”
What are some examples of this so-called functional delight? Offer explained that EVs can provide more interior space, since there’s no conventional powertrain under the hood, a big advantage over combustion-powered vehicles. Electrics also tend to be quieter and smoother, important benefits, too. Beyond those basics, automakers can also focus on delivering more technology, better user experiences, and even more upscale materials, things that further enhance the drive.
Another advantage of electrics is that they have almost zero powertrain noise. This benefits audio systems, as they don’t have to compete with thousands of tiny explosions occurring just ahead of the firewall. The new Volvo ES90 sedan, for instance, offers a stereo with 25 speakers for an immersive listening experience, one that isn’t sullied by intrusive engine noise.
Functional Delight Can Bring Back The Joy
Another way to set EVs apart from competing ICE models is to provide something Offer calls “functional delight,” giving drivers more than they expect. “So, when they come across them, there are moments of … joy,” he said, “when you realize how much thought has gone into each of those functional elements.”
In the interview, Offer explained, “Most people who experience an electric car realize that this is not only better for the planet, but if you do it right, you have a great UX (user experience) and you have a great driving experience – then you’ve added back that level of joy.”
Electric vehicles will probably never deliver the same visceral experience that combustion-powered models do, but EVs don’t necessarily have to. Designers and engineers alike can work in other ways to elevate the ownership experience in unexpected and delightful ways. “It’s a different driving experience,” Offer explained, “but it brings a new perspective to the automotive experience.” If you haven’t test driven a modern electric vehicle yet give it a shot. You might be surprised by the experience.
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