Electric vehicles are quickly becoming more relevant, and prevalent in our everyday lives. We are starting to see more vehicles like the Rivian R1T on the roads, we’ll soon see many Ford F-150 Lightning trucks, and of course, everyone sees Teslas everywhere now. However, if you are someone like me, who likes to put their styling and performance upgrades on a vehicle, you might have already been thinking about which ones are best for modifying.
EVs are quite a bit different from internal combustion engine vehicles, as they are more difficult to modify their performance, outside of software enhancements and enhancements. Instead, most people will be relying on aesthetic, and bodywork modifications.
With that said, here are the vehicles that either already has great support in the aftermarket modifications world, or that we think will see the most support moving forward! Without more to do, here are the top electric vehicles you should buy for modding.
1. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is the company’s budget (for now) option for those wanting to join their brand. However, it also makes for an awesome platform for a vehicle to modify as well! Okay, so you aren’t able to do the engine, transmission, and overall powertrain mods that you would want to do on a standard combustion engine car, but the Model 3 can be modified in other ways.
I mean, there is a good reason why they used the Model 3, and did quite well in a run, up on Pikes Peak. While software modifications will likely be the powertrain upgrade you are hoping to get (likely voids your warranty), many people enjoy personalizing their Model 3 with wraps, body components and more.
2. Tesla Model S
The Model S has been around for quite some time at this point! When it originally was released back in 2012 (when it had a fake grill), it was one of the first real electric vehicles on the road that was any good. Since then, it has continued to be enhanced, and now with the Plaid version, is the fastest sedan in the world at around 1.9 seconds 0-60 mph.
While there isn’t much need to modify the performance of this vehicle (if you do, this is a company that can help with that), you likely will want to modify the styling! For the most part, it really isn’t that hard to do, as long as you are happy to wrap the vehicle!
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5
Alright, so there isn’t a ton of aftermarket support for this vehicle like Tesla vehicles have, but I like the styling, and I believe that will change quickly!
As we begin to get more EVs on the market, aftermarket providers will see the market, and start offering aftermarket components to allow people to personalize their rides. I think this is going to be one of the first non-Tesla vehicles they start with, as it already looks like a fast hatchback. So why not.
Hyundai is doing some great work right now, not only with their EVs but also with their ICE vehicles as well. Keep a close eye on them!
4. Ford Mustang Mach E
While all of the purists are unhappy that this vehicle is called a Mustang, I think it is an awesome vehicle, and am glad they used the Mustang styling.
That said, just like every other Mustang, you can expect plenty of aftermarket support shortly to modify your vehicle. I mean seriously, not too far after releasing the Mach E, Ford went out and built a 1400 horsepower version of it. Anything with that amount of power, built by the OEM, has a future to it.
5. Ford F-150 Lightning
The F-150 is one of the most sold vehicles in the USA, and with the introduction of the all-electric Lightning varient of the truck, you know customizations will be numerous. While there isn’t a ton of support on the market yet, most all accessories from the ICE (internal combustion) version of the truck will still work on this one as well!
That means things like bed racks, interior accessories, truck toppers and more will be able to be immediately switched over to this truck once it starts hitting the roads.
You can be rest assured, if you go this direction, you will have just as much fun as your gas version F-150 owners in getting to make the pickup your own.
Why would you want to modify a vehicle?
Many people can’t quite understand why you would want to modify a vehicle, so for those, let’s go through a quick list:
- The vehicle becomes one of a kind. Car enthusiasts like to put their mark on the world of cars, and modifying their own allows them to do that in a small way. Even the simplest blacking out an emblem with PlastiDip is enjoyable and feels great.
- It is a ton of fun. Seeing your project get better and better gives a great sense of pride and enjoyment. Some may see it as a form of art, as you start with a blank canvas, and in the end, what you pictured in your head becomes reality through those modifications.
- You get to talk about cars! I was able to join a car meet the other day, and it is awesome getting to see a bunch of people standing and sitting around, talking about cars. Modifications, and talking about what they have done to their ride give a sense of community and make friendships easier to start.
What are the upsides & downsides to modifying an electric vehicle (EV)?
Upsides
- Increased personalization of your vehicles.
- With EVs you might be able to get more power with software upgrades.
- Safer driving with suspension and tire upgrades (if done well).
Downsides
- Higher maintenance comes with making a vehicle farther away from stock, and how it was meant to be.
- Higher possibility of breaking down on the side of the road because a modification wasn’t quite right.
- Many hours are spent working on your car.
- This is a very expensive hobby.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles are not going away anytime soon, and with that comes a new world of aftermarket parts and accessories.
If you are looking to get into the world of customizing cars, or just want to make your electric car stand out a bit more, there will be options for you! Just be warned, it is a very costly hobby. But in the end, it is worth it!
