It's the product of students at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. Called the NV8 (short for NTU Venture 8), it will be entered in the Urban Concept category of the upcoming Shell Eco Marathon.
The decision to 3D print the plastic body shell was made to minimize weight, while attaining a shape that could maximize interior space in what is supposed to resemble (somewhat) a car people could actually use for regular driving. It's mounted on top of a carbon-fiber chassis.
NTU will also enter the NV9, a tiny three-wheeled car that makes no concessions to practicality. Set to compete in the Prototype category, the NV9 features hand-made solar cells and a tilting mechanism that allows it to lean into corners like a motorcycle.
Shell Eco Marathon events are held every year in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Competing teams attempt to go the longest distance using the least amount of energy in both the Prototype and Urban Concept categories.
Entrants can use one of seven types of powertrain, including: gasoline, diesel, battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, compressed natural gas (CNG), gas-to-liquid fuel, or 100-percent Ethanol (not the E85 mixed blend sold at some gas stations).
This year's Eco Marathon Asia event will be held in Manila February 26 through March 1. It should attract plenty of interesting green-car concepts.
The post Singapore students build a solar electric car with 3D-printed body appeared first on ecomento.com.
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