Why Some EVs Still Have Fake Grilles

Why Some EVs Still Have Fake Grilles: Tradition, Aesthetics, and Consumer Psychology

In the age of electric vehicles (EVs), where the need for a traditional grille has been rendered obsolete by the absence of an internal combustion engine, one design quirk persists: the fake grille. Unlike their gasoline-powered counterparts, EVs don’t require large front openings to cool an engine or feed air to a radiator. Yet, many automakers continue to incorporate grille-like designs—sometimes functional, often purely decorative—into their electric models. This seemingly contradictory choice raises an intriguing question: Why do some EVs still have fake grilles?

The Legacy of Automotive Design

For over a century, the grille has been one of the most recognizable and brand-defining elements of a car’s design. Iconic models like the Rolls-Royce Pantheon grille, BMW’s kidney grilles, and Audi’s single-frame grille have become synonymous with their brands. Removing the grille entirely could make an EV look unfamiliar or even alien to consumers accustomed to traditional car styling.

Automakers are hesitant to abandon such a strong visual identifier, especially when transitioning to a new technology. A grille—even a non-functional one—helps maintain brand continuity, ensuring that an electric BMW still looks like a BMW and an electric Mercedes retains its signature presence.

Aesthetic and Psychological Comfort

Humans are creatures of habit, and automotive design is no exception. A car without a grille can appear “incomplete” or overly futuristic to some buyers, potentially alienating those who prefer a more conventional look. Fake grilles serve as a bridge between the familiar past and the electric future, easing the transition for consumers who might otherwise be hesitant to embrace EVs.

Additionally, a well-designed front fascia contributes to a vehicle’s perceived personality. Aggressive grilles convey sportiness and power, while sleek, minimalist designs suggest sophistication. Even without an engine behind it, a grille helps shape the emotional response to a car’s design.

Functional Considerations (Sometimes)

While many fake grilles serve no practical purpose, some do play a role in aerodynamics or cooling. Some EVs feature active grille shutters that open when additional cooling is needed for the battery or electronics. Others use grille-like textures to optimize airflow, reducing drag and improving efficiency.

Tesla, for example, initially included a small black “grille” area on the front of its early Model S sedans before moving to a completely smooth nose in later iterations. This evolution suggests that as consumers grow more accustomed to EVs, the need for fake grilles may diminish.

Brand Identity and Market Differentiation

For luxury automakers, design is a critical differentiator. A grille isn’t just a functional component—it’s a status symbol. Rolls-Royce, for instance, would never abandon its imposing grille, even on an EV like the Spectre. Similarly, BMW’s oversized kidney grilles (now illuminated on some models) remain a key part of its identity, whether the car is electric or not.

On the other hand, some newer EV-only brands, like Tesla and Lucid, have embraced a grille-free design from the start, signaling a break from tradition. This contrast highlights how legacy automakers and startups approach design differently—one rooted in heritage, the other in reinvention.

The Future of Fake Grilles

As EVs become the norm rather than the exception, fake grilles may gradually disappear. Younger consumers, raised in an era of electric cars, may not associate a grille with automotive prestige in the same way older generations do. Additionally, as aerodynamics and efficiency take priority, unnecessary design elements could be phased out in favor of smoother, more functional surfaces.

However, for now, fake grilles remain a fascinating intersection of tradition, psychology, and branding. They serve as a reminder that even in an era of rapid technological change, some design elements endure—not because they’re needed, but because they mean something to us.

In the end, the persistence of fake grilles in EVs is less about engineering and more about the art of automotive storytelling. And as long as cars are as much about emotion as they are about function, the grille—real or fake—will likely remain a part of the conversation.