A group of students from Eindhoven University of Technology has developed Aria, a concept electric vehicle that aims to change the way owners approach car maintenance. The basic idea of the project is to combat the increasing complexity of modern electric vehicles, the repair of which requires specialized knowledge and expensive services. Aria, on the other hand, is designed as a modular vehicle that allows drivers to self-diagnose faults and carry out basic repairs without professional help.
Modular design
The diagnostic process is maximally simplified and relies on everyday technology. The vehicle owner can connect his smartphone directly to the car via a USB-C cable, after which a special application identifies a possible problem. To make the repair process as clear as possible, the app uses a 3D model of the vehicle that visually guides the user to the faulty component, providing information on the necessary tools and steps to refit the car, reports Euronews.
Apart from the software support, the key to the Aria concept lies in the physical accessibility of the parts. While most electric cars today have battery packs integrated deep into the chassis, the Aria uses a modular battery system that can be removed by hand. The engineering team points out that such a procedure is designed to be accessible to everyone, eliminating the need for complicated tools or specialized workshops.
Unlike standard electric vehicles that rely on one large and extremely heavy battery, Aria introduces a system of six smaller modules. Each module weighs approximately 12 kilograms, which allows the owner to separate and replace them independently. The engineers from the project vividly explain that the process is almost as simple as changing the batteries in the remote control. Together, these six modules provide a total capacity of 12.96 kWh, which is optimized for the needs of this concept.
Replace with “click”
Apart from the batteries, the exterior design of the vehicle follows the same philosophy of practicality. In the event of a scratch or dent, the owner can simply detach the damaged body panel and replace it with a new one in just a few minutes. Such an approach not only makes bodywork repairs cheaper, but by removing the panels, it allows immediate access to all the mechanical and electronic components located directly behind them. A similar principle of modularity was applied to the drive system, which was designed with an emphasis on simplicity and easy access and replacement of components.
According to the project manager, the ultimate goal of the Aria project is to put the power back in the hands of consumers. At a time when vehicles are increasingly closed systems, these students demonstrate that electric cars can be simple, affordable and long-lasting. The focus on modularity reduces waste and extends the life of the vehicle, making it not only a technological, but also an ecological step into the future of mobility.