Electric vehicles future: Rear window-less

author: FutureCar Staff    

The future of cars is set to undergo major changes in the next five years, particularly as more vehicles transition to electric power. According to a leading designer at Polestar, new vehicle technology will allow automakers to not only change the way cars look and drive, but also remove certain elements entirely. For example, future Polestar models may eliminate the rear window and front grille, resulting in a slimmer profile and different aesthetic. These design changes are expected to bring multiple benefits, including more efficient vehicles with improved handling and increased space for occupants and cargo.

Nahum Escobedo, Polestar's exterior design manager, recently visited Sydney to showcase a prototype of the company's first SUV, the Polestar 3. He explained that electric cars have presented designers with fresh challenges and opportunities. Without the need to accommodate features like engines or front air vents, designers have greater freedom for creativity. Escobedo emphasized, "With electrification, it allows you to play with all of these elements. We can try to experiment and come up with ideas that we couldn't do before."

The Polestar 3, scheduled for release in 2024, will feature a lower wheelbase, larger interior space, and a minimalist facade. However, the Polestar 4, expected to launch next year, will undergo a more radical redesign. In this model, the rear window will be removed, reducing the vehicle's weight and increasing its range. Escobedo justified this decision by stating that the camera system integrated into the Polestar 4 makes the rear window unnecessary. Other notable changes in electric vehicles include the addition of storage space under the bonnet, seat-detection ignition, regenerative braking, larger interiors due to flat platforms, and increased touchscreen controls.

Chris Jones, the national president of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association, pointed out that the adoption of electric technology has also prompted a greater focus on aerodynamics within the automotive industry. This emphasis on reducing drag and improving efficiency has led to the development of smaller, lighter, and more aerodynamic electric vehicles. Jones expressed his hope for future EVs to prioritize efficiency rather than simply adding oversized batteries. The growing popularity of electric vehicles in Australia is evident, with over 56,000 units sold in the year leading up to August, a significant increase from the previous year.

FutureCar Staff