David Borla on Electrify Podcast: Redefining Car Culture with Sound

In a recent episode of the Electrify Podcast, host Jarod DeAnda sat down with David Borla, CMO of Borla® Performance, to discuss something many car enthusiasts didn’t think was possible—bringing sound to electric vehicles (EVs) without sacrificing authenticity. Borla® is always looking for ways to bring the unmistakable roar of high-performance exhaust systems to all vehicles. With the introduction of EVs to the market, David and his team recognized the opportunity to bring Borla®’s signature sound to a new audience of automotive enthusiasts.

The Challenge of EVs for Car Enthusiasts

For many of us, sound isn’t just an afterthought in the driving experience—it’s part of the car's soul. The deep rumble of a V8 engine or the sharp growl of a finely tuned exhaust system makes driving a visceral, emotional experience. So what happens when you remove the engine altogether? For Borla®, this wasn’t just a business challenge—it was personal.

"When EVs started gaining traction, Borla® wasn’t immediately sure where they fit in. We’re car guys. We didn’t want to create something that felt gimmicky or fake. Our legacy is built on making cars sound amazing, and we didn’t want to compromise that," David said during the podcast.

But the more Borla® leaned into the opportunity, the more they realized this wasn’t about replacing what was lost—it was about creating something new. That’s how Active Performance Sound was born.

Reinventing the Driving Experience

David shared that creating dynamic sound for EVs traces back to 2014 when Borla® debuted a sound simulator at SEMA. It allowed users to virtually test different exhaust notes on a Mustang. Fast-forward to today and this same concept has evolved into Borla®’s groundbreaking EV sound system. Using advanced algorithms and hardware, the system doesn’t just create noise—it creates a fully immersive experience tied and timed to the car’s performance.

"We’re not just making noise for the sake of it," David explained. "The system is tied directly to throttle position, wheel speed, and load, so it feels real. It’s not a toy—it’s a performance product."

Why Sound Matters

Let’s face it—car culture isn’t just about getting from point A to B. It’s about the feeling you get behind the wheel, the way your car reflects your personality, and yes, the sound that turns heads as you drive by. For David and the Borla® team, sound isn’t just an accessory—it’s part of the car’s and the company’s DNA.

"We only have five senses, and sound is a big one," David said. "Whether it’s the roar of a muscle car or the hum of something futuristic, sound connects us to the car in a way nothing else can."

The Road Ahead

Borla®’s Active Performance Sound System is already available for the Ford Mustang Mach-E, with kits for the Ford Lightning and Tesla vehicles on the horizon. "We want to be the best. If that means taking our time to get it right, so be it."

While innovating for EVs, Borla® continues to innovate and develop products for their main product line - Internal Combustion Engines (ICE). No matter what you drive, sound will always be a part of the Borla® experience.

David Borla’s message is clear: car culture is about passion, and sound is a huge part of that. Whether you’re a lifelong internal combustion engine enthusiast or an electric vehicle adopter looking for something more, Borla® is proving that sound has a place in the future of driving.

"Making cars sound cool—that’s what we love," David said. "And we’re just getting started."

For more on Borla®’s product innovations, check out Borla.com. The future of sound is here—and it’s louder, cooler, and more exciting than ever.