Why You Should Never Turn Your Electric Car Frunk Into a Cool Box

It may look tempting, but it should be avoided.

Summer means barbecues and picnics, and it would be a shame to miss out on them. During spells of high temperatures, some people become inventive - a little too inventive. After all, not every “handy tip” circulating on social media is equally worthwhile.

So, if you were considering turning your electric car’s “frunk” - its front boot - into a cool box, stop right there: it is a very bad idea. Although the “concept” has gone viral online, it could be dangerous. Here is why.

An electric car “frunk” is not a built-in cool box

On X, formerly Twitter, a user shared a video of their Tesla Model Y. The clip attracted views, likes and comments because its owner had filled the “frunk” with ice, water and drinks, effectively using the vehicle’s front boot as a full-size cool box. At first glance, it may seem plausible. Electric cars have a more compact motor than conventional petrol or diesel vehicles, freeing up space beneath the bonnet for a small front boot. It is usually intended to provide a little extra storage. Some drivers, however, see a more appealing use for it and consider converting this area into a cool box. Handy in summer, surely?

Why water in an electric car front boot is risky

Drivers cannot entirely be blamed for getting the idea. Some car makers, including Ford and Rivian, have played with the concept. In practice, however, filling your “frunk” with ice and water to chill beer and fizzy drinks is strongly discouraged. While there may be room, the front boot in an electric car is generally neither insulated nor designed to maintain a low temperature.

Worse still, rapid charging can raise its temperature, as the battery cooling system usually relies on radiators positioned at the front of the vehicle. Technical components, such as the electric motor, inverter and air-conditioning condenser, are also often located beneath this front storage compartment. Water from melting ice could therefore come into contact with electrical parts.

Do not turn your Tesla Model Y frunk into a cool box

Put simply, your electric car’s “frunk” was not designed to become a giant cool box in summer. The social-media videos may make it look appealing, but it is strongly advised against.