The Pursuit of Range Has Transformed EVs into 'Jelly Beans,' Claims Nissan's Design Chief

The Pursuit of Range Has Transformed EVs into ‘Jelly Beans,’ Claims Nissan’s Design Chief

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During the early days of electric vehicles, car manufacturers promised us that the flat “skateboard” EV platforms would lead to a design revival with a wider array of body shapes. However, that vision never materialized, and many EV models today resemble some variation of a shapeless mass. According to Nissan’s chief designer, this trend has already become tiresome, as explained to The Drive, shedding light on why there are so many unattractive EVs on the road and how the industry is poised to shift away from them.

Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s senior vice president of global design, outlined the evolution during a presentation at the Japan Mobility Show. In essence, the abundance of similarly styled EVs can be attributed to their collective pursuit of maximizing range by reducing aerodynamic drag. Some shapes simply prove to be more efficient than others.

“EVs demand specific aerodynamic features,” Albaisa conveyed to The Drive. “The challenge with an EV lies in the fact that despite having a blank canvas, a skateboard, offering numerous possibilities, the aerodynamics dictate the precise positioning of the frontal section.”

Nissan's concept cars showcased at the Japan Mobility Show 2023

“Thus, all the present-day cars exhibit a slightly elevated front end to channel the air beneath,” he elaborated. “This signifies a deliberate departure from succumbing to the wind’s dictates. Ultimately, it’s all about maximizing range; the wind has specific requirements as it must cover a minimum distance of 300 to 400 miles. The initial batch of EVs tend to possess a jelly bean-like appearance: sleek, with a raised body and a lowered front end.”

When probed regarding the sustainability of this trend, Albaisa hinted at more than a dozen upcoming Nissan EVs that deviate from this pattern.

“I believe people are already starting to push back since we’re in the process of constructing around 13 to 14 models […] some of which boast a smoother profile. These designs are equally appealing, but there’s certainly a clash of styles. I sense there’s impatience among consumers, a yearning for something fresh.”

Albaisa also expressed his expectation for a shift away from the prevailing hyper-angular and aggressive aesthetics that have dominated automotive design for over a decade. Nonetheless, he foresees that the forthcoming style paradigm won’t have as enduring a reign, given the dwindling attention spans of consumers.

“This won’t persist,” Albaisa remarked concerning the next significant trend in automotive styling. “Hence, the onset of apathy, of monotony, is hastening. I believe that in various regions, especially in the global epicenter of rebellion, the United States, trends in fashion evolve rapidly. I anticipate an acceleration in this shift.”

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