Some manufacturers are just converting their ICE cars as EVs.
While some others are designing their EVs from ground up.
I think the later method is better.
An ICE, especially RWD cars have long bonnet due to longitudinal engines. They also have large transmission tunnels which make floor higher and overall less space for rear seat passengers.
Where as an EV design from ground up can accommodate all these issues and thus overall better space and ergonomics for passengers inside.
Speaking other way, a good EV should not look like ICE cars!
In theory, they should have far better front to back weight distribution, and for some that have them, far better traction for 4WD. If I recall - mainly due to where most full EV batteries are now stored (in the subframe below the passnger area), it means that the cars have a much lower centre of gravity and this need less 'intervention' from stability cotrnol devices and lateral suspension components, significantly helping handling, though (with the extra weight [at the moment] of said batteries etc]) at the expense of either ride quality and/or how 'beefy' the suspension generally needs to be to cope with that extra weight.
One other thing taht may keep EV bonnets larger than they need may be the safety systems, given much of what's in ICE engine bays is now used as part of the 'crumple zone' to protect the occupants of the car.
I agree that designing from the ground up will be technically a better way - unfortunately in this transition period (and why I dislike it, especially how rapid it is without the necessity for it) it will only increse the costs of car manufacturers due to having to either R&D and manufacture more models than before, and/or reduce sales (due to having to pass on the extra costs to customers), both of which will further compound the problem, and as I've said on that other thread, drive Western customers towards Chinese manufacturers.
|