Automotive Design Checklist: Avoiding EV Design Mistakes
Review the checklist to avoid design pitfalls in EVs.
Print and distribute the checklist to car designers.
Summary
The article outlines a checklist for automotive designers to prevent common pitfalls in electric vehicle (EV) design, emphasizing safety, reliability, and user experience.
Key points include the need for flush, mechanically actuated door handles that are immediately usable, and physical door-opening mechanisms that are directly linked to the handle. Charge‑port doors should remain mechanical rather than relying on electronic actuators. Turn‑signal stalks on the steering column are preferred over steering‑wheel buttons, and steering‑wheel controls should be physical, not touch‑sensitive. Climate controls must be physical and fixed, and real rear‑view mirrors should replace screen‑based mirrors. Side‑view mirrors remain required by law, and cameras are not a suitable substitute.
The checklist serves as a reminder that design decisions driven by aesthetics or cost savings can compromise safety and functionality, especially in EVs where battery cost dominates.
The article concludes by urging designers to print and share the checklist to promote better design practices across the industry.
Key changes
- Flush door handles must be mechanically actuated and immediately usable
- Physical door-opening mechanisms must be directly linked to the handle
- Charge‑port doors should remain mechanical, not electronic
- Turn‑signal stalks on the steering column are preferred over steering‑wheel buttons
- Steering‑wheel controls must be physical, not touch‑sensitive
- Climate controls should be physical and fixed
- Real rear‑view mirrors replace screen‑based mirrors
- Side‑view mirrors remain required by law, cameras are not a substitute