Frunk

With the advent of new technologies, new terms are entering the automotive vocabulary. One of them is frunk. This term was created by combining the English words front and trunk. Frunk refers to the front luggage compartment, which has become a characteristic feature of modern electric vehicles.

While in conventional cars with an internal combustion engine the space under the front hood is fully occupied, electric vehicles have free space there. It is usually smaller than the main trunk and is primarily intended for storing charging cables, accessories or smaller luggage. It therefore serves more as a supplement, not as the main luggage compartment.

History has known front trunks since the days of cars with rear engines – for example in the classic VW Beetle or older Porsche 911. However, these did not have a frunk, because it was the only trunk. A real frunk only comes into being when the car has the main luggage compartment at the rear and an additional front compartment – typically due to the layout of an electric vehicle.

The frunk is certainly not a groundbreaking revolution, but in practice it can be quite pleasing. As an easily accessible space for storing cables, a helmet or a small bag, it is especially useful in urban traffic. It’s more of a small bonus than a major change – but it’s often such details that determine everyday comfort.

Did you know:

Some electric vehicles take the practical use of the frunk to a completely new level. For example, the Ford F-150 Lightning offers a front storage space with a volume of up to 400 liters – more than the usual trunk in many hatchbacks. The frunk in this pickup is also illuminated, washable, and even equipped with a drain. Very practical are also the 230V sockets. The spare compartment thus becomes a fully-fledged mobile toolbox, a cooler for trips or a mobile workshop.