Objectives:

This project aims to develop a fully integrated design for an electric vehicle (EV), encompassing both interior and exterior components to enhance functionality, aesthetics, and user experience. The redesign includes:

• Dashboard Integration:Designing a sleek dashboard that houses a USB charging port for mobile devices, an ignition switch for secure startup, and strategically placed vents for efficient battery cooling.
• Mudguard Modification:Redesigning the mudguard to improve aerodynamics and durability, ensuring optimal performance and protection under various driving conditions.
• Seat Configuration:Developing a new seat design that prioritizes comfort and ergonomics, accommodating diverse body types and enhancing the overall driving experience.
• Logo and Charging Port Integration:Innovatively incorporating the vehicle's logo into the design of the charging port, creating a cohesive and branded aesthetic.
• Right-Side Ignition Switch:Positioning the ignition switch on the right side of the dashboard for intuitive access and improved driver convenience.
• Battery Ventilation System:Implementing a specialized venting system to regulate battery temperature, ensuring safety and efficiency during operation.

This comprehensive redesign focuses on enhancing user comfort, ensuring safety, and promoting brand identity through thoughtful integration of functional and aesthetic elements

Challenges:

The project encountered several design challenges that required innovative solutions to enhance functionality and aesthetics. One significant issue was determining the optimal shape for the charging port cutout. Given that the charger is larger to support fast charging, a square cutout was necessary. However, the brand's triangular logo needed to be incorporated without compromising the charging port's accessibility. Achieving this balance required careful consideration of proportions and placement to maintain both brand identity and user convenience.

Another challenge involved integrating the screen into the dashboard. With multiple screen options available, it was essential to select one that not only fit well within the dashboard's area but also complemented the overall design. This required evaluating various screen sizes and orientations to ensure optimal visibility and user interaction. Additionally, the mudguard design presented aesthetic challenges, as it needed to be both functional and visually appealing.

The battery enclosure posed its own set of difficulties, as it had to meet IP69 standards for water and dust resistance while being housed within the footrest. This necessitated careful engineering to ensure the enclosure could withstand compression forces under 3 bar without compromising its integrity. Addressing these challenges led to a cohesive design that balanced functionality, safety, and brand identity.

Solution:

Designing an electric vehicle (EV) involves addressing several intricate challenges to ensure functionality, aesthetics, and safety.

The placement of the charging port necessitates a precise cutout that accommodates the charger’s dimensions while maintaining the brand's identity. Given that the charger is larger and supports fast charging, a square cutout aligns with its size. However, the brand's logo is triangular, presenting a design challenge. To resolve this, the cutout can be designed to fully expose the charging port, possibly incorporating a triangular frame or accent that complements the logo, ensuring both functionality and brand consistency.

The dashboard features a screen with multiple options, and selecting the most visually appealing display is crucial. Factors such as screen size, resolution, and layout must be considered to ensure clarity and ease of use. Additionally, the screen's design should harmonize with the overall dashboard aesthetics, providing a cohesive and user-friendly interface.

Designing the mudguard presents aesthetic challenges, as it must effectively protect against debris while complementing the vehicle's design. The mudguard's shape, material, and finish should align with the vehicle's overall aesthetic, ensuring functionality without compromising on style.

The battery enclosure is integrated into the footrest, requiring careful design to ensure it meets IP69 standards for water and dust resistance. This involves selecting appropriate materials and sealing techniques to prevent ingress. Additionally, the enclosure must withstand compression forces under 3 bar, necessitating robust structural design and material selection to ensure safety and durability.

The battery enclosure is integrated into the footrest, requiring careful design to ensure it meets IP69 standards for water and dust resistance. This involves selecting appropriate materials and sealing techniques to prevent ingress. Additionally, the enclosure must withstand compression forces under 3 bar, necessitating robust structural design and material selection to ensure safety and durability.

Addressing these challenges requires a balance between technical specifications and design aesthetics, ensuring the vehicle is both functional and visually appealing.

Outcome:

The project achieved a 100% design development milestone, addressing critical challenges in electric vehicle (EV) design. Key outcomes include:

• Optimized Charging Port Integration:Successfully designed a square cutout to accommodate a larger fast-charging port, while incorporating a triangular frame that aligns with the brand's logo, ensuring both functionality and brand identity.
• Enhanced Dashboard Display:Evaluated and selected a screen layout that offers multiple options, ensuring clarity and aesthetic appeal on the dashboard, thereby enhancing user experience.
• Aesthetic Mudguard Design:Developed a mudguard that effectively protects against debris while complementing the vehicle's overall design, maintaining both functionality and visual appeal.
• Robust Battery Enclosure:Engineered a battery enclosure integrated into the footrest, meeting IP69 standards for water and dust resistance, and capable of withstanding compression forces under 3 bar, ensuring safety and durability.

These outcomes demonstrate the project's success in overcoming design challenges, resulting in a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and safe electric vehicle design.