Chevrolet Menlo EV: Designing Chevrolet’s First Electric Car for China
GM-PATAC Interior Design Team, 2016-2017
Keywords: Design Execution, Main theme sketch, DSI drawing, Cup holder concept
Bringing Chevrolet’s First All-Electric Car to China
In 2016, the automotive industry was shifting gears toward electrification, and Chevrolet was preparing to enter the Chinese EV market for the first time. The Chevrolet Menlo EV project wasn’t just about building another electric vehicle—it was about designing an EV experience tailored specifically for Chinese consumers.
As part of the GM-PATAC Interior Design Team, our goal was to craft an interior that blended Chevrolet’s iconic design DNA with innovative features that would appeal to China’s fast-evolving EV landscape.
The Instrument Panel (IP) design embraced Chevrolet’s Duo-Cockpit philosophy, a signature look that balances driver-centric functionality with a bold, modern aesthetic. But we also had to think beyond aesthetics—this was an electric car, meaning users expected a high-tech, intuitive, and efficient interior.
User-Centric Design: Understanding What Chinese Drivers Want
To ensure the design met local preferences, we conducted customer clinics in major cities across China. These studies gave us valuable insights into what Chinese EV buyers truly care about:
✅ Customization: Users wanted personalized interior features without increasing costs.
✅ Functional Minimalism: A clean, futuristic interior was a priority—but not at the expense of everyday usability.
✅ Innovative Storage Solutions: With an EV’s unique interior layout, users expected clever space-saving features.
Using this feedback, we refined our approach—prioritizing flexibility, smart storage, and seamless technology integration.
Design Execution: Blending Form & Function
Main Theme Development & Instrument Panel Design
The Duo-Cockpit design remained a key element, but it was reinterpreted to match the sleek, tech-driven nature of an EV. The team explored new materials, lighting solutions, and interface designs to enhance the modern, electric-first identity of the Menlo EV.
Reconfigurable Cup Holder Concept
One of the notable feature discussions revolved around cup holder design—a detail that might seem small but plays a huge role in daily user experience. Our sketches explored a reconfigurable layout, allowing for different bottle sizes and multifunctional use. This space-efficient approach aligned with the flexible interior expectations from our user research.
From Concept to Reality: Chevrolet Menlo EV Becomes a Ride-Sharing Favorite
After rigorous design iterations, the Chevrolet Menlo EV was finalized and officially launched in 2019. The interior carried forward the vision developed in this project—a seamless fusion of Chevrolet’s heritage and forward-thinking EV innovation.
Notably, the Chevrolet Menlo EV has become one of the most widely used ride-sharing vehicles across China, particularly in major cities. Its futuristic styling, spacious and comfortable interior, and balance between cost and reliability made it a go-to choice for ride-hailing services, proving that well-executed design can drive mass adoption beyond just private consumers.
This project was a milestone in Chevrolet’s electrification journey in China, and it was an exciting challenge to contribute to a design that redefined expectations for Chevrolet’s first fully designed EV in the region.