When is a trunk not a trunk? When it’s a frunk.
A mash up of trunk and front, the word frunk refers to storage space in the front of an electric vehicle where the engine would live if it were a gas-powered car. As is the case with trunks, frunks vary in size, but the largest frunk size is about 14 cubic feet, about the size of a medium upright freezer. A few are even watertight.
The uses for frunks are endless.
Not Your Average Trunk
While front-end trunks have been around for a while – think Volkswagen Beetles, Corvairs and Porsches – Tesla is credited with popularizing the word frunk, starting around 2010. Storage space in EVs must be in the front because the lithium-ion batteries that power them are near the rear of the car.
“In the EVs that I have driven, some have minimal space like the Genesis GV 60, (.71 cubic feet), while the Mustang Mach-E has plenty of room for grocery bags,” said John Paul, AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor. “If nothing else, it is a fun word.”
Most frunks are made from expanded polypropylene foam, making them watertight. This elevates their uses beyond transporting the weekly groceries. They can be filled with ice and used as coolers at tailgates or picnics, holding everything from beverages to shrimp cocktail on ice.
Some come equipped with plugs to utilize bidirectional charging, which can power a TV or other devices. Some frunks also include USB and 120-volt chargers for power tools, lights and Bluetooth devices; as well as slide out compartments and storage under the floor.
Here’s a look at what some people put in their frunks.
Frunk Must-Haves
Then, of course, there are practical accessories every frunk should hold. NAPA Auto Parts recommends dropping in a cargo mat that can catch spills and be easily cleaned, and a cargo organizer to keep your stuff contained. A kit equipped for automotive and medical emergencies is always smart to carry, as well as a spare charger and car cover to keep extreme temperatures at bay.
Check out the full list of must-have frunk accessories from NAPA Auto Parts.
One thing you won’t find in most EV frunks is a spare tire. The lack of space in EVs and the weight of spares make it impractical to include them, according to the Los Angeles Times. A full-sized spare tire can add between 30 and 50 pounds to a car, while a smaller tire or doughnut can add 25 pounds. Making space for a spare tire and including one would increase the manufacturing costs for EVs, and the added weight could reduce its range.
Frunks also offer an extra layer of safety. If a driver is involved in a front-end collision, a frunk can act as a “crumple zone” and protect the driver. They also improve the car’s weight distribution, which enhances the car’s handling and stability.
Take advantage of exclusive AAA member deals from NAPA Auto Parts.
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
