How Is 3D Printing Being Used for Electric Cars?

With the increasing availability of hybrid and electric vehicles, the automotive industry is increasingly turning towards sustainability and away from fossil fuels. As the sector is known for its constant innovation, electric cars and recent projects showcase advances in manufacturing, performance and design. So it’s natural to see that many electric vehicles incorporate 3D-printed parts and are designed using 3D modeling software. Here is a list illustrating the use of 3D printing in electric cars, offering an overview of its current role. The examples are presented in no particular order and reflect the current state of 3D printing in this field.

3D Printing in the Ford Electric Explorer SUV

A recent project implementing 3D printing in the manufacture of electric vehicles is Ford’s Explorer SUV. The American automaker used SLA and SLS 3D printing technologies for this model. Ford uses Formlabs’ solutions to create prototypes of various components such as mirrors, door handles, dashboard parts, as well as mechanical elements and assemblies. The company has long combined traditional production methods with 3D printing to improve material utilization, reduce costs, and increase production efficiency and speed.

3D-printed parts for Ford’s Explorer SUV (photo credits: Ford)

The e-Miles L7e

The e-Miles Company is dedicated to developing greener mobility solutions. It recently launched the e-Miles L7e, an electric car specially designed for urban environments and sustainable freight transport. This vehicle stands out for its unique driving system, using a button instead of a steering wheel and pedals, making it accessible to a wide audience. The quadricycle is made up of 90% 3D-printed parts, from bodywork to interior components. Equipped with batteries that can be recharged in 8 hours, and an 8 kW motor, the e-Miles L7e can reach a top speed of 85 km/h.