If automakers want a shortcut to happier electric vehicle owners, they may want to start by listening to drivers on Reddit who were asked which one feature they would steal from another EV and add to their own.
Here's what to know
In a lively Reddit discussion, one poster set the tone by writing, "I feel like every EV has at least one feature that makes owners of other cars a little jealous."
In the thread, EV owners were invited to name the one feature they would most like to borrow from another model.
The responses mostly revolved around a handful of practical upgrades: better charging preparation, built-in cameras, backup power, and smarter software.
Factory-installed recording features drew some of the strongest support. One commenter put it simply: "A proper dash cam inbuilt in the car." Another added, "It's kind of mental that this isn't standard in every new car."
Direct control over charging prep was another recurring theme. More than one Redditor said they wanted a manual button to precondition the battery before fast charging instead of relying on the vehicle's navigation system to trigger it automatically.
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The wish list also included the ability to power a home, pet and camping modes, blind-spot camera views, full surround cameras, and even better door handles.
More background
Many of the requested upgrades aimed to make EV ownership easier, safer, and more practical day-to-day.
A built-in dash cam, for example, could spare owners from buying separate hardware, dealing with dangling cables, or paying for installation.
Features such as vehicle-to-home or vehicle-to-load can add even more value by turning an EV battery into a useful tool during emergencies, camping trips, or while powering devices. Pet mode and camping mode offer similar benefits by making the vehicle more versatile without extra gear.
Software also surfaced repeatedly in the discussion. A vehicle may drive well and still leave owners frustrated if its digital features feel clunky or unfinished.
What can be done?
Usability can matter just as much as price, range, or acceleration when comparing EVs. The technology experience can matter as much as the way the vehicle handles on the road.
Owner forums and community discussions often reveal frustrations that spec sheets leave out. A car may look impressive on paper but still have awkward controls or buggy software in everyday use.
Some gaps can still be narrowed with workarounds such as aftermarket dash cams, even if those fixes are not as seamless as built-in options.
Drivers were not asking for gimmicks; they were asking for EVs that feel complete. As one commenter who drives an ID.Buzz put it, "That would be the brain. A brain. Any brain really."
Where can I learn more?
For a closer look at the features and day-to-day experiences that shape EV ownership, start with these stories.
• EV drivers said features for a modern EV include software, cameras, and practical charging tools.
• China's Zeekr is drawing attention for adaptive cruise control gains that could pressure Tesla.
• At the New York International Auto Show, manufacturers showcased new EVs with increasingly distinct features.
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