EV convergence

I was encouraged to read that Everrati faithfully preserved the 60:40 weight distribution in its electric-powered Porsche 964 restomod (Driven, evo 285). However, I fear that this may be the first and last time we see engineers deliberately ‘compromise’ vehicle dynamics in pursuit of giving a car character. Unlike ICE vehicles, it seems there is most definitely an optimal layout for EVS: wheels pushed to the extremities, batteries low down in the middle, with a motor at the front or rear axle, sometimes both. Surely this risks making EVS all a bit samey?

Something I read recently not only confirmed this fear, but suggested things could be even more samey still. Williams and Italdesign are partnering to create a new electric vehicle platform called EVX, which, and I quote, ‘could be overlaid with a number of body styles’. I mean, I know many modern vehicles share platforms, but the idea of having the same electric skateboard beneath countless models, just with different bodies plonked on the top, is surely a step too far?

Whereas today a car enthusiast has innumerable vehicle and engine configurations to experience, enjoy and adapt their driving skills to, in the future could it be the only question we need to ask ourselves is ‘How much cabin space do I want?’

Whilst EV convergence might make sense for the engineering and accountancy departments, as a driving enthusiast I for one can say I don’t buy into it, not one bit.

Adam Freeman