EV’s 3D-Printed Parts Provide Next-Level Personalisation
Published 21 November 2023
New electric vehicle (EV) concept Me:Mo from Japanese automaker Daihatsu tackles personalisation and usability with modular design. With 3D printing technology, owners can adapt their car – both internally and externally – to suit their evolving needs and aesthetic preferences.
Unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, Daihatsu developed the mini passenger battery EV Me:Mo with the aim of “redefining the relationship between cars and people”. Its functional modular design allows car elements to be swapped out, tailoring it to specific owners.
3D printing technology is used to achieve this, with detachable parts changing both the aesthetics of the car and its fundamental shape. Owners can switch out the car’s bodywork for a different colour or pattern, or something more inventive and eye-catching than the traditional smooth paintwork. Me:Mo’s launch video features the option of textured cladding – an interesting concept for vehicle panel surface design, offering new possibilities for individuality.
The modularity also enables the car to shift between a passenger vehicle and a pickup-style mini truck, depending on the users’ needs. Seating options range from a single driver seat – maximising storage space – to a capacity of four. The design lets owners to make real-time adjustments, creating a dynamic ownership experience.
While already boasting the eco-credentials of an EV, the sustainability innovation of the vehicle lies in its functional flexibility and enhanced longevity. It can evolve with its owners’ requirements, from shifting day-to-day demands to lifestyle changes in the years to come, such as a growing family.
Measuring just under three metres in length and 1.59 metres in height, the compact vehicle is convenient for urban environments. While Daihatsu has not yet released its functional specs, Me:Mo has an expected range of 100km.