ARIA: The Modular Electric Vehicle That Empowers Owners

Imagine a world where electric vehicles are designed with repairability and sustainability in mind, empowering owners to take control of their transportation needs.

TL;DR
• ARIA is a modular electric vehicle designed for easy repair and sustainability.
• The vehicle features a modular design with interchangeable battery modules and a diagnostic app.
• The 'Right to Repair' movement aims to give control back to the user and promote sustainable design in the automotive industry.

Summary
A team of students from Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands has developed a modular electric vehicle (EV) called ARIA, which stands for 'Anyone Repairs It Anywhere.' This prototype aims to make electric vehicles more sustainable and affordable by enabling owners to easily repair and maintain the vehicle themselves. The ARIA prototype features a design where components such as batteries, body panels, and electronics are easily swappable using simple tools and a diagnostic app. This approach reduces repair costs and extends the vehicle's usable lifespan. Key features of the ARIA include a top speed of 56 mph, a range of 137 miles, and six independent and interchangeable battery modules. The vehicle's design is centered around the principles of modularity, repairability, longevity, and sustainability. The team behind ARIA hopes to encourage the European Union to apply 'Right to Repair' rules to passenger cars and demonstrate to the automotive industry that sustainable and practical design is achievable. The project showcases the potential for electric vehicles to be designed with user empowerment and environmental sustainability in mind. The ARIA prototype is the tenth EV prototype created by the ecomotive team at TU/e. The vehicle's modular design allows for the replacement of individual battery modules, reducing waste and the need for extensive repairs. This approach contrasts with traditional electric vehicles that have a single, monolithic battery pack. The ARIA team's vision is to give control back to the user and promote a culture of repair rather than replacement. The project highlights the importance of designing products that are built to last and can be easily repaired, in line with the principles of the 'Right to Repair' movement.

As we move towards a more sustainable future, it's essential to consider the impact of our transportation choices on the environment. By embracing modular design and repairability, we can create a more circular economy and reduce waste.