What Is a Frunk (Front Trunk)?

A frunk, short for "front trunk", is a storage compartment located under the bonnet of an electric vehicle, in the space where a combustion engine would normally sit. Not every EV has one: some use that space for the motor, HVAC systems, or other components. When a frunk is present, it offers genuinely useful extra storage that keeps your boot free for larger items. A good place to start if you're new to EV ownership is the Guides index, which covers everything from charging to everyday practicalities.

Which electric cars actually have a frunk?

Frunks are most common on EVs where the front axle is driven by a motor mounted near the rear, or where the front motor is compact enough to leave useful space above it. Many rear-wheel-drive EVs and some all-wheel-drive models with smaller front motors have worthwhile frunks. However, a number of popular EVs use that front space entirely for the motor, power electronics, or thermal management systems, leaving no room for storage at all. The best way to find out is to check the specification sheet for your specific model.

What is a frunk actually useful for day to day?

The most practical everyday use is keeping your charging equipment separate from your main boot. If you carry a portable EV charger for top-ups at locations without a dedicated charger, the frunk is the ideal home for it: accessible without disturbing your luggage and out of the way during normal use. Frunks also work well for items you want close to hand at the start of a journey, like parking permits, a bag for the school run, or a compact shopping bag.

Frunk versus boot: when to use each

• Use the frunk for smaller, frequently accessed items
• Reserve the boot for suitcases, prams, and larger loads
• Keep cables and adaptors in the frunk so they do not tangle with luggage
• Wet or muddy items are better placed in the frunk if space allows

Does frunk size vary much between models?

Yes, significantly. Some frunks offer a genuinely spacious storage area capable of holding a weekend bag alongside your charging kit. Others are shallow trays that fit little more than a flat cable and a few small items. Frunk usability also varies: some open with a button on the key fob or dashboard, while others require a manual release inside the cabin. If frunk size matters to you, check the stated capacity in the car's specification sheet before buying.

Does having a frunk affect range?

Carrying weight in any part of the car has a small effect on efficiency: a heavier vehicle uses slightly more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. However, the frunk itself does not change your range in any meaningful way when it is empty. What matters is the total weight you are carrying, not where it sits. Keeping heavy items out of the frunk when you do not need them is a sensible habit, but the difference in practice is modest.

How do I open a frunk?

Opening methods differ between manufacturers. Some frunks release via a dedicated button on the key fob or inside the cabin, similar to how you would open the boot. Others use a manual cable release under the dashboard or require you to press a latch on the bonnet itself. A small number of models allow the frunk to be opened remotely via the manufacturer's app. Check your owner's manual for the exact procedure: forcing an incorrectly latched frunk can damage the bonnet seal.

What should I keep in my frunk?

The frunk suits items you reach for regularly but do not want mixing with your main luggage. Your EV charging cable is the obvious candidate: it stays clean, coiled, and ready without cluttering the boot. A portable charger, a screen wash top-up bottle, a reusable shopping bag, and a light waterproof jacket are all well suited to frunk storage. Avoid storing anything that could be damaged by heat buildup on very warm days, and check your manufacturer's guidance on maximum load.

Frequently asked questions

Does every electric car have a frunk?

No. Many EVs use the front compartment for the motor, cooling systems, or power electronics, leaving no storage space at all. Whether an EV has a frunk, and how large it is, depends on the platform and powertrain layout. Always check the specification sheet for the model you are considering.

Is a frunk waterproof?

Most frunks are weather-resistant rather than fully waterproof. They are designed to cope with rain splash and light moisture, but are not sealed like a dry bag. In heavy rain or a car wash, some water ingress is possible on certain models. Check your owner's manual and avoid leaving sensitive items loose in the frunk without protection.

Can I charge devices from a frunk power outlet?

Some North American EV models include a mains power outlet inside the frunk, which is useful for tools or camping equipment. UK and European models do not generally offer this feature. If you want to power devices from your EV in the UK, look into vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, which is available on a growing number of models via the charge port.

What should I keep in my frunk?

Charging cables, a portable EV charger, a compact shopping bag, screen wash, and a light jacket are all good choices. Keep the frunk reasonably light and avoid anything heat-sensitive on warm days. Check your manufacturer's guidance for any restrictions on weight or materials.

How do I open the frunk on my EV?

Opening methods vary by manufacturer. Common options include a button on the key fob, a release inside the cabin, a latch on the bonnet exterior, or a remote command via the brand's app. Your owner's manual will show the exact method for your model. Never force a frunk that appears stuck: a misaligned latch can damage the bonnet seal.

Does the frunk affect driving range?

The frunk itself has no effect on range. Any weight you place inside it adds to the car's total mass, which does reduce efficiency slightly, as it would with items in the boot or cabin. Keeping the frunk reasonably light when the space is not needed is a sensible habit, but the practical impact on everyday range is small.

Once you know what your frunk can hold, the next step is making sure you have the right equipment inside it. A portable EV charger stored in the frunk means you are never caught short at a destination without a fast charger, and keeping your EV charging cable there ensures it is always clean, accessible, and ready to plug in wherever you stop.