What led me to dive into EV’s design

The Lunar New Year holiday has recently concluded, ushering in the first work week of the Year of the Dragon, with my blog resuming its regular updates. Amidst the festivities, I’ve kept an eye on various groundbreaking technologies and designs, particularly excited about OpenAI’s latest video generator, Sora, which I plan to discuss later. However, today’s post is sparked by a conversation with my friend JY during the holiday, who recently purchased an NIO electric vehicle. Her enthusiasm for her new car and its benefits piqued my curiosity, leading me to explore electric vehicles (EVs) from a design perspective.

NIO’s electric vehicles, with their user-centric design and services, stand out as a testament to successful product experience. This insight led me to delve into a study and overview of EV experience designs. Unlike traditional fuel vehicles, EVs forgo engines in favor of batteries and sophisticated central control systems, offering enhanced intelligence and more interior space. 

5 interesting designs

Here are five interesting and practical designs I found in electric vehicles:

Firstly, assisted driving features significantly enhance user security. 

Activating this function during regular drives offers peace of mind, especially in unforeseen circumstances. For instance, if your attention briefly shifts to your phone and the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes, the assisted driving system can detect the deceleration and adjust your speed accordingly. This feature not only mitigates the risks associated with distracted driving but also alleviates fatigue on long highway stretches by reducing the need for constant braking. I was amazed by this feature when I experienced it in my friend’s NIO.

Secondly, NIO’s 3-minute battery replacement service redefines long-distance travel for electric vehicles. 

While not all EVs offer quick battery swaps, NIO stands out with its NIO POWER service. Through the NIO app, drivers can locate a nearby battery swap station, where it takes just three minutes to replace a depleted battery with a fully charged one, all without leaving the car. This process is not only automated but incredibly convenient, removing one of the significant barriers to EV adoption. As of November 21 last year, NIO had established 2,113 power swap stations across China, including 651 along expressways, showcasing their commitment to enhancing EV accessibility and convenience.

Thirdly, the digital car key allows you to unlock it remotely.

While not unique, its practicality cannot be overstated. For instance, should a friend need to borrow your car, you can easily unlock it via a mobile app. The effectiveness of this feature heavily relies on the app and network connectivity. There have been instances where NIO owners, having parked their vehicles momentarily, found themselves unable to start their cars due to the keys being recognized as “too close” for an extended period. However, comparative reviews suggest that Tesla experiences the fewest software glitches, indicating a more reliable use of such technology.

Fourthly, electric vehicles offer an enhanced riding experience thanks to their larger interior space.

Without the need for a conventional engine, the design allows for more room inside, enabling seats to convert into beds for restful breaks during journeys. This feature is especially appealing to outdoor enthusiasts, providing a comfortable and flexible option for travel.

Fifth, equipped with fill lights, the makeup mirror in cars like NIO, Xpeng, and Tesla transforms these vehicles into mobile “beauty spaces.”

This feature, designed for users who apply makeup on the go, includes adjustable light strips around the mirror for optimal lighting. Xpeng’s version stands out by allowing adjustments in color temperature and brightness, catering to various needs such as selfie-taking, live broadcasting, or makeup application, and enhancing the user experience with customizable lighting options.

Conclusion

As we embark on the Year of the Dragon, the evolution of electric vehicles (EVs) goes beyond cleaner energy, reshaping the driving experience with cutting-edge design and technology. From assisted driving and battery swaps to remote unlocking, spacious interiors, and beauty spaces, EVs like those from NIO, Tesla, and Xiaopeng are becoming more than transport; they’re hubs of convenience, safety, and personal expression. These innovations hint at a future where vehicles not only protect the environment but also enrich our daily lives, showcasing the limitless potential of EV technology.

Links & Reference

[1] https://www.chinaventure.com.cn/news/110-20231122-378403.html

[2] https://www.pcauto.com.cn/hj/article/2113389.html

[3] https://www.nio.cn/et9 

[4] https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-clean-energy-was-top-driver-of-chinas-economic-growth-in-2023/