# Two-Seater Electric Cars The 3D-Printed TARC Car EV Reduces Environmental and Manufacturing Loads By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-06-29 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/two-seater References: [3ders.org](http://www.3ders.org/articles/20170626-3d-printed-two-seat-electric-vehicle-impresses-at-taiwanese-trade-show.html) At the 2017 Taipei Ampa & Autotronics Taipei, Taiwan [Automotive Research Consortium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simulation-platform) (TARC) introduced the world to an innovative 3D-printed [two-seater electric vehicle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-microcar). 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scout-terra-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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 82% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **3d-printed Vehicles:** Opportunity to disrupt the automotive industry by utilizing additive manufacturing to reduce manufacturing costs and create customizable designs. - **Electric Vehicle Technology:** Opportunity to disrupt the transportation industry by developing affordable and sustainable electric vehicles with longer battery life. - **Plant-based Materials:** Opportunity to disrupt the materials industry by using plant-derived materials for vehicle manufacturing, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive Industry:** Opportunity for automotive manufacturers and startups to embrace additive manufacturing to create cost-effective, customizable, and eco-friendly vehicles. - **Transportation Industry:** Opportunity for companies to invest in electric vehicle technology and infrastructure, providing consumers with affordable and sustainable transportation options. - **Materials Industry:** Opportunity for material suppliers to develop and market sustainable and plant-derived materials for various industries, including automotive manufacturing. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Two-Seater Solar-Powered EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-ftme.md) - [Rechargeable Two-Seater Modern Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eli-zero.md) - [Streamlined Two-Seater Electric Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-electric-car-concept.md) - [Affordable Two-Seater Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ark-zero.md) - [Enclosed Electric Tricycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carver-electric-city-car.md) - [Electric Sports Car Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/theory-1.md) - [Retro-Styled Electric Convertibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-convertible.md) - [Radical Two-Seater EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gazoo-racing.md) - [3D-Printed Sports Car Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hv001-hybrid-sports-car.md)