Is a ‘Frunk’ a Good Thing to Look for When Buying an EV?

The “frunk” of an electric car is a combination of the words “front” and “trunk.” It’s a storage compartment located at the front of the vehicle, where a traditional car’s engine would typically be. Electric cars lack an internal combustion engine, so the space at the front is easily repurposed for additional storage.

The frunk offers extra cargo space, making electric vehicles (EVs) more versatile in terms of carrying capacity. Cars with limited trunk space for carrying items like charging cables for electric vehicles benefit. It’s one of the unique features of many electric cars, adding to their practicality.

Some rear-engine traditional cars, like the Porsche 911, also have frunks.

Some additional advantages of the frunk are:

• Improved weight distribution: Placing heavier items in the frunk can help balance the weight of the car, potentially improving handling and fuel efficiency.
  
• Accessibility: In some cases, the frunk is more easily accessible than the traditional trunk, especially when parked in tight spaces.
  
• Enhanced safety: In some cases, the frunk can act as a crumple zone in a frontal collision, potentially reducing the impact on the passenger compartment.

THE TAKEAWAY

Ultimately, the decision of whether a frunk is worth it for you will depend on your specific driving habits and storage needs. If you frequently carry items that would benefit from extra storage, a frunk could be a valuable feature.

Sources: EV Car Answers Editors, ChatGPT, Rivian, Gemini