The front-wheel-drive (FWD) design is compact and offers better interior space, especially with smaller passenger cars. Most combustion-engine cars are built on this layout. 

Electric vehicles (EVs) are built with vastly different components. There is no engine to begin with, neither is there a need for a gearbox, exhaust pipes or a fuel tank. Instead, the EV needs batteries, an electric motor and sophisticated power-control components.