Iconic Car Names and Electric Vehicles: A Reader’s Perspective
Automakers love reviving classic car names, but some monikers, according to a recent reader poll, should remain sacred. We asked our readers which iconic automotive names shouldn’t be used on electric vehicles. Here’s what they said:
Terminology
Several readers argued that certain engineering terms are incompatible with EVs.
- Turbo: A Porsche enthusiast simply stated, “Turbo should never be on an electric car.”
Model Names
Traditional model names also drew scrutiny:
- MR2 (Toyota): One reader pointed out that the mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout of the MR2 doesn’t translate well to an EV. “MR2 – Just won’t make sense.”
- Firebird (Pontiac): The name “Firebird” raised concerns for its association with combustion. “Firebird. Or anything with the word ‘fire’ in it.”
- Trans Am (Pontiac): Another reader offered a broader perspective, “Nothing with sports car adjacent names, Mustang, Trans Am, Turbo, etc. Do use names like Zephyr, Continental, Coupe de Ville, LTD, etc.”
- Viper (Dodge): One reader suggested that such an icon of internal combustion should not be applied to an EV. “Viper. One of the ultimate symbols of internal combustion hedonism should never be relegated to the high pitched whine of milquetoast electric motors.”
- Diablo, Countach (Lamborghini): A reader speculated, “Diablo, or Countach, even though I think Lambo’s done with the latter.” If Lamborghini does release EVs, they will likely be given names that honor ancient Roman gods or Italian fighter jets.
- PT Cruiser (Chrysler): One reader humorously declared, “PT Cruiser – I’m not that worried about the reputation of the car, but that of Stellantis…”
Brand-Specific Naming Conventions
- AMG (Mercedes-Benz): “I don’t think AMG should continue the 43,55, 63 trim naming with EVs. I understand it no longer represents engine size, but at least in today’s terms it still makes sense.”
- Pontiac (General): One reader simply stated, “Any name from Pontiac.” and went on to say, “They all exist to turn gasoline into loud noises…”
Other Considerations
- J2-X (NASA): The J2-X, a NASA rocket engine, was deemed an inappropriate name for an EV. “An electric J2-X would be a sin.”
- Escape Hybrid (Ford): One reader humorously wanted to “ruin statistics” by suggesting the Ford Escape name.
These are just some of the reader opinions on what names shouldn’t be used on electric vehicles.
What’s in a Name?
One reader correctly pointed out, “There will be a time – probably many years from now – where the idea of an EV won’t seem to foreign or objectionable to people. They’ll just be there. And it won’t be a big deal. Why should the name on the car be a big deal?”
