Two electric cars that have been generating a lot of buzz lately are the Rivian R3 and the Cybertruck. Despite both featuring futuristic designs, they differ significantly in their design languages. The CEO of design-software company Figma has proposed a theory to explain this contrast. He suggests that the Rivian R3 may signal a shift towards a warm, 'solarpunk' design aesthetic in response to the sharp-edged 'cyberpunk' vibes embodied by Tesla's Cybertruck.
According to the Figma CEO, the Rivian R3 represents a more 'human' and less 'dystopian' vision of the future compared to the Cybertruck. He describes the R3 as a modern design that blends into the environment rather than standing out as a piece of technology or architecture, reflecting the solarpunk aesthetic.
The CEO believes that designers are moving away from cyberpunk aesthetics towards solarpunk, with cyberpunk symbolizing a dystopian, industrial look while solarpunk embraces a more natural and harmonious integration with the environment.
While Rivian has not explicitly stated that the R3 was designed with a solarpunk aesthetic in mind, the concept of solarpunk is often associated with utopian themes centered around nature.
On the other hand, the Cybertruck's unconventional appearance has sparked mixed reactions since its unveiling. Some industry experts view its design as a bold statement, challenging traditional pickup trucks. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has expressed enthusiasm for the Cybertruck, touting its resilience by calling it 'apocalypse-proof.'
Musk's biographer revealed that Musk deliberately opted for a unique, angular design for the Cybertruck to surprise people and make a bold statement. However, transitioning the distinctive Cybertruck design from concept to reality has presented production challenges due to its angular, stainless steel construction.
