As the automotive industry races toward an electrified future, the demand for innovative, sustainable, and functional automotive accessories has never been greater. In the world of electric vehicles (EVs), where user experience, clean aesthetics, and functional design define brand loyalty, soft goods are becoming a critical part of the product equation.
From custom trunk organizers and charging cable cases to seatback storage systems, cargo solutions, and protective interior gear, soft goods enhance how EV owners interact with their vehicles. Whether you’re a startup launching EV lifestyle accessories or a legacy brand extending into sustainable auto gear, the design and development of soft goods can set your product apart in a competitive and fast-evolving market.
In this post, we’ll explore how soft goods design shapes the future of EV automotive accessories, the development process behind successful products, and how StudioFAR helps brands move from idea to production with confidence and clarity.
Why Soft Goods Matter in the Electric Vehicle Era
Electric vehicles are transforming not only how we drive, but how we interact with our cars. With more open cargo areas, modular interiors, and trunk/frunk storage, EVs offer new opportunities—and challenges—for accessory designers. Soft goods play a unique role in this evolution by providing:
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Lightweight, space-saving storage solutions that enhance EV efficiency
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Sustainable materials that align with eco-conscious brand values
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Protective gear for charging cables, accessories, and electronics
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Ergonomic enhancements to seating, storage, and user interaction
Traditional car accessories often rely on hard plastics or metals, which can increase weight and reduce adaptability. In contrast, well-designed soft goods offer flexibility, portability, and user-friendly interaction—making them ideal for the evolving needs of EV drivers.
From Concept to Road-Ready: Designing EV-Compatible Soft Goods
Developing soft goods for automotive use—especially in the EV market—requires a clear understanding of the vehicle environment, user behavior, and performance requirements. At StudioFAR, we follow a proven development process that brings concepts to life with attention to every stitch, seam, and surface.
User Research Tailored to EV Owners
We start by identifying how modern EV users interact with their vehicles. What do they store in their trunk or frunk? How do they carry charging cables, emergency kits, or groceries? What’s missing from their current driving experience?
Our research process includes direct user interviews, competitor audits, and ergonomic studies—giving us a clear blueprint for meaningful product features. EV drivers often prioritize sustainability, minimalism, and smart organization—key pillars in our design approach.
Concept Development and Soft Goods Engineering
Once we identify user needs, we move into concept development. Our team sketches and prototypes a range of ideas, exploring form factors, compartments, access points, and attachment systems. In EVs, it’s especially important to consider:
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Compatibility with unique trunk and frunk layouts
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Use of recycled or eco-friendly textiles
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Foldable or collapsible formats to maximize limited space
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Minimalist aesthetics that align with modern EV interiors (think Tesla, Rivian, Lucid)
We use foam, mesh, nylon, ripstop, and sustainable materials to deliver form and function. Materials are selected for durability, heat resistance, weight reduction, and user comfort.
Avoiding Pitfalls in Automotive Soft Goods Manufacturing
Designing for automotive use isn’t just about great ideas—it’s about manufacturability, compliance, and durability. The wrong materials, stitching techniques, or sizing choices can lead to product returns, warranty issues, or manufacturing breakdowns.
StudioFAR helps our clients avoid common mistakes by:
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Creating detailed Tech Packs that specify materials, construction methods, branding zones, and packaging
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Testing prototypes in real-world EV environments to ensure fit and function
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Consulting on Design for Manufacturing (DFM) to reduce production complexity and costs
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Helping source automotive-grade textiles and sustainable supply chain options
EV customers are discerning—they expect quality and sustainability. Our job is to ensure your soft goods product delivers both.
Popular EV Accessory Opportunities Using Soft Goods
The growing EV market is opening the door for new soft goods accessories tailored to EV-specific needs. Here are just a few trending product categories:
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Charging Cable Organizers: Lightweight, weather-resistant soft cases for storing Level 1 and Level 2 chargers
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Frunk Storage Systems: Custom-fit bins, dividers, or bags that help maximize Tesla or Rivian frunk space
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Interior Gear Protectors: Padded mats, seatback covers, or trunk liners using recycled materials
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Commuter Utility Bags: Stylish, secure bags designed to sit flush with EV interior compartments
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Portable Emergency Kits: Soft, zippered kits with essentials like power banks, repair tools, and tire inflators
We’ve helped clients develop products for every one of these categories—guiding them from napkin sketch to production-ready design with clarity and confidence.
Why Work With StudioFAR on Your EV Accessory Product
Led by designer and founder Fernando A. Robert, StudioFAR is a leading partner for soft goods design and development. We specialize in helping brands and entrepreneurs in the EV and mobility space design products that are functional, manufacturable, and aligned with modern values.
Our services include:
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Product ideation and user research
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Soft goods industrial design and prototyping
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Technical design (Tech Packs, BOMs, spec sheets)
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Manufacturer sourcing and production support
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Ongoing design-for-manufacturing consulting
We’ve helped launch products across automotive, mobility, travel, and consumer gear—and we’re especially excited about where EV innovation is headed.
Ready to Launch Your EV Soft Goods Product?
The future of mobility is electric—and your accessories should be too. Whether you’re developing a charging solution, interior organizer, or sustainable storage product, StudioFAR can help you turn your idea into a high-quality product that meets today’s performance and sustainability standards.
Let’s talk. Feel free to schedule a call here:
