Electric vehicles pull out all the stops to attract drivers

The appeal of electric vehicles is more than just low emissions—it’s higher horsepower, too.

Years ago, the manufacturing and marketing of green products was mostly about higher purpose, with less emphasis on design, performance and emotional connection. Perhaps that’s why a significant gap existed between intentions and behaviors.

In 2019, the Harvard Business Review reported that 65% of consumers wanted to buy brands advocating sustainability, but only 26% actually followed through. Whatever the reason, many companies took notice. Just take a look at a few where design and performance reign supreme.

From GMC’s first ever Hummer EV (electric vehicle) to Tesla’s divisive Cybertruck and others, the SUV and truck industry is luring more people under the environmental tent than ever. But if you ask those people what attracted them, the answer might have little to do with the planet.

Case in point is a recent commercial for the Hummer EV featuring LeBron James. While it casually mentioned zero emissions at the end, horsepower (1,000), torque (11,500 pound-feet) and speed (0 to 60 in three seconds) comprised the ad’s main message. And considering it ran during the Super Bowl, GMC was apparently betting big on planting its green flag in a more covetous spot within the audience’s psyche. The results? According to Motor Trend, both the Hummer EV Edition 1 SUV and truck sold out in about 10 minutes.

This is not to say GMC is casual about the planet. In fact, the manufacturer has pledged to fully convert to electric by 2025. GMC simply realizes that tapping into motivations less related to sustainability might just help put every driver in an electric vehicle. Green by happenstance, you might say.

And they’re not alone. Here’s how some other manufacturers are charging toward a greener future with vehicles that appeal to just about anyone.

As the industry continues to make vehicles better for the planet, more and more emphasis is being placed on making them better for, you guessed it, design and performance enthusiasts.