It is an undeniable fact that companies from the automotive industry use the possibilities of 3D printing both in the design and production of final parts. Additive technologies have a variety of applications – sometimes they are used to create subsequent iterations of prototypes faster, sometimes they are used to make important elements of cars, sometimes they are only peripheral elements, and additive technologies are treated as a marketing leverage.
However, while the use of 3D printing technology in specific applications makes sense, driving almost completely printed 3D car may sound a bit exotic… The Italian-Chinese company XEV, operating in the field of modern technologies, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on the Kickstarter platform. Their goal is to raise funding to start production of XEV YOYO – a modern car that, compared to standard models, is more ecological and cheaper to use.
YoYo is a double, fully electric compact car, which, according to manufacturers, is ideal for both moving in the urban jungle and parking – its dimensions are only 2.5 x 1.5 m, so finding a parking space will no longer be a challenge. Although the small size of the vehicle can be problematic for some, it is consistent with the belief that having children is not ecological.
Despite the small size, the authors of the vehicle ensure that its interior has been optimized in terms of ergonomics of use. In addition, the vehicle has been equipped with a number of amenities, including keyless access, electric mirrors or large touch screen on the dashboard. The drive of the car is completely electric, so its creators can boast of zero emissions. Of course, it all depends on the place of use of the vehicle – for the natural environment it is irrelevant whether the pollution will arise when burning gasoline or during the production of electricity from coal…
The creators emphasize that thanks to incremental technologies, easy and much more cost-effective personalization according to user requirements is possible. And while the appearance of the vehicle is debatable, the possibility of adapting its equipment to specific applications is an interesting concept. In the project description, we read that the authors will try to build an ever larger library of models with parts so that users can change and personalize their car themselves.
Designers tried to keep the form simple, but not devoid of character, trying to make the car light and able to travel the longest distance on one battery charge. 3D printing technology has been helpful in the process of reducing the weight of elements. XEV engineers use large-scale 3D printers, working in FFF technology, which allow the production of full-size parts. In the case of such a wide range of available variants, manufacturers decided to use additive technology, which gives them the greatest creative freedom, while generating large savings. In addition, the ability to design internal structures allowed the creation of durable parts in order to relieve shocks.
There is no information about the materials used and the exact list of elements that were made in 3D printing technology. It is difficult to say which of them were made in this technology, because the quality of the execution of most of the parts shown in the pictures is reminiscent of injection molding methods. It is known, however, that both the chassis and the power unit were made using standard methods of metal.
What about safety? The creators ensure that their vehicle meets all requirements, and each piece passes the approval in accordance with the prevailing safety standards (in the description, at the very end the authors mention that they are on the last straight to achieve final approval …). The vehicle structure is based on a steel frame, door reinforcements and a number of amenities ensuring safety (including safe low voltage batteries, airbag system, ABS or EPS).
Nevertheless, the price is interesting. As part of the early bird sale, the cheapest version is sold for $5999. This is one of the cheapest options when it comes to small-size electric cars. In the last paragraph of the campign, the creators also add that making elements in 3D printing technology is the biggest challenge for them and they cannot guarantee that in the first models all 3D printable parts of the car will be made using this method… Ask yourself the question, what then is 3D printing for the entire project – a real way to cut costs or a neat marketing slogan…?
Nevertheless, the price is interesting. As part of the early bird sale, the cheapest version is sold for $5999. This is one of the cheapest options when it comes to small-size electric cars. In the last paragraph of the campign, the creators also add that making elements in 3D printing technology is the biggest challenge for them and they cannot guarantee that in the first models all 3D printable parts of the car will be made using this method… Ask yourself the question, what then is 3D printing for the entire project – a real way to cut costs or a neat marketing slogan…?
As of today, 15% of the initial assumed $ 557 974 was collected.