Why do you think many companies make electric cars look so ugly?
 

Why is Tesla the only company that gets it?

I think it is a combination of packaging for the batteries and other EV-specific components, and the desire for tree-huggers to show the world they are driving something different.

IMHO, I think what Toyota did with the Prius years ago set electric, hybrids, etc. back in terms of adoption. Why on earth do you package a product that is supposed to be beneficial for the planet in such an ugly box. Luckily we have companies that are breaking away from the rule that an electric car has to look like a 5 year old drawing of a car.

I think with toyota, they got so caught up in the functionality of it, and wanting to get their product out there, they forgot to make it look like something people would not feel embarrassed driving in.

I apologize to any Prius owners I might have offended but this was my honest opinion.

Aerodynamics and size. Cd of prius is like 0.25? Although Tesla is 0.24, and the CLA is 0.23, they're also longer cars.

Tesla isn't the only one that gets it. You just are hung up on the basic design of the Prius, Insight, Leaf, etc.

The Spark was a conventional vehicle before it was an EV. If Tesla were to produce a subcompact, it certainly wouldn't have the sexy swoopy lines and long wheelbase of the Model S.

The ELR is a good looking car, IMO. And even better in person than in pictures.
http://images.dailytech.com/nimage/elr_night.jpg

Fisker Karma and Tesla Model S look great, for a high price.

Nissan Leaf is puke on wheels. But then again I find all current Nissans are ugly.

They're making just as many internal combustion models that make the gorge rise as well.

eg. -------> Juke

Prius is undeniably a...Prius. THIS is the main reason why they look the way they do. Toyota benchmarked that ugly, but symbolic, could be a gold mine. Everyone (other than Tesla) has just tried to follow suit.

The Prius is the only car that could pull it off. Car companies need to learn from the Insight and just build a car that looks appealing. No gimmicks, no hipster art majors making asymmetrical shoe boxes with rugs on the dash. Just a simple, yet appealing shape.

If I had to guess these electric cars are normally cheap and the people that are buying them normally don't care for how they look but only care for mpg saved, they just want to get from point A to point B.

The Insight originated that general hybrid shape design though. It wasn't until the second gen Prius that it took that shape.

IMHO that thing is terrible looking and has terrible proportions. The front windows and A pillar look like a Versa, and the back end is trying too hard to be a lambo... Then again, I think caddy's design language is shit anyway.



Hey, I like the Juke. If they offered the AWD with a stick I would have bought one...



The boat-tail back end is key to the aerodynamics of the vehicle. A hell of a lot of the other design features are simply for aero as well.


The real issue is that they have to compete globally. In Europe, diesels are very strong competition for hybrids. I'm still waiting for someone to tap that goldmine (diesel electric hybrid car...)

I have to agree. A large majority of the cars are just plain ugly.

It's no secret that they're a bit more expensive too. That being said, I'm sure as he'll not about to spend 30k on an electric car that's slow as shit when I can spend 30k on a car that is just as practical, if not more in some cases, moves quicker, and isn't an eyesore to look at.

Aerodynamics, packaging, and cost.


Notice all the really cool looking hybrid/electric cars are freaking expensive? Yeah.....even the regular ones command a bit of a premium over a 'normal' car.