Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been at the center of heated debates lately. From the dominance of Chinese EVs and the polarizing Cybertruck, to headlines of EVs bursting into flames for seemingly no reason, it’s easy to wonder—are EVs really that bad? Why are some traditional car manufacturers backtracking on what seemed to be the future of transportation? Has the promise of a greener future dimmed? And perhaps most importantly, why are people still so skeptical?
For decades, cars have been more than just machines; they’ve been symbols of identity and achievement, especially for men. Cars have a way of forming a deep, emotional connection with their owners. Whether it’s a rust bucket or a gleaming supercar, for many, their car is their pride and joy. Think back to the first time you got behind the wheel after earning your license, the rush of adrenaline, the sense of freedom, the thrill of controlling a machine. Traditional cars, with their rumbling engines and tactile feedback, have a soul, or so many say. And this is precisely where EVs are often criticized: they’re seen as lifeless, soulless tools of transportation.
Adding to this disconnect is the distinct design of EVs. Without the need for air intakes, exhausts, or other traditional components, their aesthetics are often starkly different from what we’re used to. While this modern design language might feel alien now, it’s something people will adapt to just as they did with the shift from carburetors to fuel injection, or from analog to digital dashboards.
The Rise of Chinese EVs
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Chinese EVs. They’ve taken the world by storm with competitive pricing, cutting-edge technology, and unique designs. For many, this sudden dominance feels jarring, even threatening. The global automotive landscape is shifting, and Chinese automakers are carving out their own path, one that’s unfamiliar and, for some, hard to accept. But isn’t that how innovation often works? It challenges what we know and forces us to grow. Oh, CDM anyone? Maybe not now.
So, What About Me?
To give some context, I grew up surrounded by classic Japanese cars. My dad owned a Mitsubishi Galant Sigma and a Honda Accord, and later my parents had a Proton Persona. All manual, analog, and bulletproof in their own ways. My dream cars reflect this love for traditional ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles: a Lotus Exige, a GR86, and a Lexus IS300. For someone like me, being a fan of EVs feels almost sacrilegious. And yet, here I am.
Why EVs?
While ICE cars are far from extinct, EVs are undeniably part of our future. Instead of focusing on the usual pros of EVs (lower emissions, instant torque, etc.), let me share why I believe they deserve a place in our garages.
Take the Tesla Model 3 Performance, for example. Recently, Hagerty compared it to the BMW M3 and found that while it couldn’t entirely match the M3’s legacy, it offered incredible performance at a fraction of the price. Their conclusion? You could buy an MX-5, a GR86, and a Tesla Model 3 Performance for the price of an M3, giving you the best of all worlds. That’s where EVs shine: they complement the driving experience rather than replace it.
In dense cities like Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, EVs make a lot of sense. They’re perfect for zipping through traffic, enduring long jams, and navigating chaotic urban streets. All while keeping you comfortable and quiet. Imagine being stuck in gridlock without the relentless drone of a straight-piped engine ringing in your ears. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?
Celebrating the Change
We shouldn’t feel threatened by EVs. Instead, we should celebrate their emergence. While they won’t fully replace ICE cars anytime soon, they’re carving out their own space in the automotive world. And who knows? In the next 100 years, EVs might just become the norm. Until then, let’s enjoy the ride—whether it’s powered by gas or electrons.
Let me know your thoughts on EVs complementing ICE cars or do you your self do it?
