[ELI5] Why do electric cars have a similar shape to regular cars when they don’t need to?

Question

I’ve always wondered why electric cars are designed to resemble regular cars so closely, even though they don’t require the same components like the internal combustion engine. It seems like this would be an opportunity to create a more practical and efficient design. Can someone explain why electric cars are shaped the way they are?

In: 7

Answer 1

Aerodynamics is the same regardless of the propulsion source.

The other significant factor is that major countries’ regulations for automakers already assume certain car size measurements. E.g., in Japan the taxation of a car is based on its size. It’s much easier for electric car manufacturers to just comply with the regulations, rather than trying to debate with the government to change them.