EVs aren’t just revolutionizing what’s parked in our driveways; they’re racing their way onto Hollywood’s silver screen in some of the big blockbusters like Gerard Butler’s Den of Thieves 2: Pantera where a Porsche Taycan proved electric cars could jump into a chase scene as well as gas-powered Mustangs or Chargers. The EVs are carving out a serious role in movie car culture.
Once relegated to the background as props or futuristic fantasy, today’s electric rides are front and center in everything from sci-fi epics to high-octane action flicks; albeit minus the octane part. Chris Hemsworth is driving EVs in Formula E races. He said it was “great fun.” How long will Thor make us wait for another racing movie like Rush starring a Formula E car?
EVs on the Big Screen Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid cameos in 2025 films.
While we wait on the next Hemsworth movie, the EVs are moving from cool sidekick to leading characters in their own right.
It might seem silly, but Barbie was a huge hit on the big screen, and even though Barbie drove a Corvette, Ken was behind the wheel of an EV Hummer. By placing the actors in these cars, you can see how they complement their characters. Barbie is sunny and free, and Ken is a serious suitor with the need to conquer.
According to Jon Alain Guzik for The Hollywood Reporter, we’re likely to see more product placements of EV cars when directors are given a choice. He does make the distinction between cars being shoehorned into the show without any serviceable role, so when we do see an EV, it will most likely be front and center.
How they fit sci-fi, thriller, and action genres.
Like all cars, EVs must fit the narrative and the character dynamics before they are cast alongside their actors. They do seem to fit into the sci-fi and tech genre, but unlike the Cybertruck, many EVs are as plain as the sedans we see on the highways, so any EV that makes it into film, has to stand out.
The Rivian is a good example of a standout EV, and it’s featured in the Hulu show Paradise.
Visual & Audio Challenges Replacing engine roars with synthesized sound.
EVs look like the future, but they don’t sound like it, unless you think the future is much quieter and not all Mad Max noise and destruction. When an EV is in a car chase, there is an awkward silence when we’re used to screaming engines and redlines. The absence of sound kills the adrenalin rush we get from watching car chase scenes.
It’s a good thing the sound department at the studios is ready to step up. They’ve had years of experience in getting the sound right in film and TV. From the first radio performance with a door slamming to high-tech engineering of a revving Charger sound overdubbing a sliding Taycan, sound is what brings the talkies to life.
Synthesized engine tones – like the ones used in Blade Runner 2049 – are created as a movie score rather than a sound effect. The end result is a layer of sound that adds dimension to the film and gets us to respond with excitement to the anticipation of speed and thrills. Loud engine noises often signal power and performance, and there’s an entire car culture industry helping car owners get more sound from their vehicles.
Adapting quiet cars to dynamic scenes.
Besides an audio remix, camera work and editing also play a huge role in selling excitement. Quick cuts, close-up tire shots, and drone flyby’s all help make EVs feel fast, aggressive, and powerful without ever revving a single engine.
It’s all about perception. A silent Rivian flying down a city street is not as impressive as if it is accompanied by screaming tires, gears shifting, and muffler rattles. If the camera angle is right and the subwoofer is shaking the speakers, it can feel like a rocket ride as you sit in your theatre seat.
Symbolism & Style EVs as signs of progress, wealth, or villainy.
Beyond performance, electric cars are now serving as symbolic roles in the stories. Their sleek, minimalist styling and clean lines scream “futuristic” and “elite”, making them perfect for heroes and high-tech villains.
In dramas and political thrillers, they’re status symbols – often seen parked outside glass and steel penthouses and offices – see the Succession episode where the Lucid Air was parked outside of Kendall’s office – or zipping past protestors in scenes tackling corporate ethics and environmental themes.
Product Placement Brands leveraging cinema for visibility.
EV manufacturers are getting savvy when it comes to brand placement. Companies like Rivian and Tesla have been rubbing elbows with studio execs to get their products on the big screen, and it seems to be working. The EV placements in movies and TV have increased in recent years, and it will continue to grow as long as the vehicles fit the scenes and the characters.
Rivian is great for outdoor films and rugged scenarios where a Lucid Air wouldn’t be at home. The Lucid Air is more refined and has leaned into the luxury and exclusivity nature of its target audiences making it perfect for the Succession series.
Conclusion – EVs are gaining ground—expect more cinematic battery power.
As sustainable car trends surge, the amount of electric cars in movies will rise. According to Kelley Blue Book, nearly 300,000 units have sold in Q1 of 2025, which is 15% more than last year with GM seeing a 50% increase in sales last quarter.
Don’t expect Hollywood to abandon the tried and true V8s for a plug-in. While the EVs have come a long way, the need for speed sometimes include the need for real engine roars, tire squeals, and the smell of exhaust in the air.
The future looks like it will include more and more EVs in films in 2025, and as manufacturers lean into the EV, maybe we’ll see more futuristic vehicles in cinema like the Mustang. How about a Charger with a charger? Right now, that car is at your local Dodge dealership.
