At the 2017 Taipei Ampa & Autotronics Taipei, Taiwan Automotive Research Consortium (TARC) introduced the world to an innovative 3D-printed two-seater electric vehicle.
The small-scale car boasts a lithium-ion battery that can travel up to about 62 miles on a single charge with maximum speeds of 60 km per hour. The entirety of the TARC car boasts a 3D-printed design, including both the exterior and interior of the vehicle. TARC created the design with a poly-lactic acid (PLA) material made from plant-derived starch and the doors of steel.
With a few tweaks to the design, the simple two-seater design has the potential to be changed into a pickup truck, a three-seater or another small-scale car to suit different purposes. The TARC car is just one example of how additive manufacturing may be used to significantly reduce manufacturing costs and environmental strain.
Two-Seater Electric Cars
The 3D-Printed TARC Car EV Reduces Environmental and Manufacturing Loads
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Vehicles - Opportunity to disrupt the automotive industry by utilizing additive manufacturing to reduce manufacturing costs and create customizable designs.
2. Electric Vehicle Technology - Opportunity to disrupt the transportation industry by developing affordable and sustainable electric vehicles with longer battery life.
3. Plant-based Materials - Opportunity to disrupt the materials industry by using plant-derived materials for vehicle manufacturing, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Industry - Opportunity for automotive manufacturers and startups to embrace additive manufacturing to create cost-effective, customizable, and eco-friendly vehicles.
2. Transportation Industry - Opportunity for companies to invest in electric vehicle technology and infrastructure, providing consumers with affordable and sustainable transportation options.
3. Materials Industry - Opportunity for material suppliers to develop and market sustainable and plant-derived materials for various industries, including automotive manufacturing.