ITSC 3688 - Computers and their Impact on Society
MY-EV
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Project Overview
My Role: 3D Printing Technician
This project was definitely one of my favorites throughout my college years. For our final exam and semester long project, our class held "KarpTank," a "Shark Tank" style pitch competition for futuristic products. Each group was given a long list of vague ideas to come up with a product designed for the future. My group chose an electric vehicle company whose identity revolved around 3D printing the vast majority of the parts for the vehicle.
We designed MY-EV not just as a car brand, but as an accessible option for cheaper mass production adoption. My group (Pictured left to right: Jahnajee Watts, Raghav Patel, and myself) actually managed to win the whole KarpTank competition! Taking home the KarpTank certificate was an awesome validation that our holistic approach of combining sustainable 3D printing manufacturing with a strong user experience addressed a real future need.
My Responsibilities
In our "company" hierarchy, I served as the 3D Printing Technician. While the project was conceptual, I was responsible for researching and convincing the ‘Karps' of the technical feasibility of our manufacturing process.
Material Research: I looked for high-performance filaments like ABS-CF (Carbon Fiber laced) for the exterior to ensure the car met durability and safety standards, and PEEK for heat-resistant internal components.
Manufacturing Logic: I mapped out how large-scale 3D printers (like the Modix 180X) could be used to create fully customizable parts, allowing users to literally print their own car or replacement parts which was one of our biggest draws for the Karp’s.
Safety Integration: I had to ensure our 3D printed vision met the rigorous standards of organizations like the NHTSA and DEKRA, proving that a 3D-printed frame could be as safe as a traditional steel one.
The Challenge: The Sustainability Barrier
In 2024, it was clear that gas was expensive and Mother Nature needed help, but luxury EVs were unattainable for the average person. Our challenge was to use 3D printing to cut the massive overhead costs of traditional car factories, passing those savings directly to the consumer.
Our Solution: The KT-EV S (Family Model)
450-mile range (targeting the "range anxiety" found in our research).
Modular Design: Because parts are printed, they are easily replaceable, extending the vehicle's lifespan far beyond a traditional car.
Luxury within Reach: We combined futuristic tech with a price point that made EV ownership a reality for more families.
Digital & Physical Merger: Although a functional app wasn't a requirement for the KarpTank presentation, our team felt it was essential to demonstrate how a user would actually interact with a futuristic car brand. I led the development of a rapid mobile prototype to show the Karp’s how our products could work together.
Our Mockup: Key Features
Customization on the Go: Users could select 3D-printed parts or submit their own files to be customized for their vehicle directly from their phones.
Real-Time Status: For all owners, the app provided an option to check your charge and to run a diagnostic of their vehicle to check any issues and get ahead of parts that you may need.
Safety and Security: Users get a live feed of any safety or security risks involving their vehicle such as someone touching it, broken windows, or even a hard brake.
Note: Because this was an "extra" addition produced within a tight semester timeline, the UI remains in a raw conceptual state. However, its purpose wasn't to be a final production-ready design, but to serve as a functional proof-of-concept. It helped the judges visualize a fuller product, which ultimately helped us secure the KarpTank win.
Final Reflection
Winning KarpTank as a sophomore was a massive confidence boost. It taught me how to take a wildly futuristic idea and ground it in technical research and user-centered design. It also gave me my first real public speaking experience as my group and I spent hours in the library practicing our pitch. Even though my focus was on the "Technician" side, it reinforced my belief that great design is only as good as the materiel that builds it.
Our Slide Deck Presentation: MY-EV