Implementation of additive manufacturing technologies in the design and build process of a two-seater high-performance electric vehicle

Abstract

This paper seeks to document the implementation of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies in the Electric Vehicle (EV) design cycle. AM has been known to shorten prototyping phases and provide an edge in small volume or customised product manufacturing in most product design. It also opens more possibilities for generative design methods in computer aided design (CAD) for better weight saving optimisations and organic form aesthetics. In more mature engineering fields, such as automotive engineering, we start to see companies implementing AM technologies not just to their prototypes, but also to final parts and components of their products. Insights on how effective 3D printing technology can assist the automotive industry in simplifying their processes, speed up design timeline, as well as any improvements on their design aesthetics and performances will be covered in this paper.