Toyota & Clemson Show uBox (EV Concept)
Originally published on Sustainnovate.
Toyota and Clemson University recently unveiled a new all-electric concept car — dubbed the “uBox” — at the 2016 SAE World Congress, according to reports.
The new electric vehicle concept was designed and handbuilt by graduate students at Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research — following a 2-year tour with Toyota Motor North America engineers and designers.
The uBox concept — which resulted from a Clemson University and Toyota collaboration (dubbed Deep Orange) — is designed around the featured compact, dual-purpose, all-electric powertrain.
The Toyota Executive Program Manager, Craig Payne, commented on the unique pultrusion technique utilized by the students (allowing composite carbon fiber rails bonded with aluminum to support a curved glass roof): “The roof pultrusion was something unexpected and very interesting when they first started talking about the concept. The fact that they were able to achieve an industry-first manufacturing technique as students speaks volumes for this program.”
Toyota provides further information on the uBox:
* A bold, youthful and distinctive exterior design that aligns with generation Z’s personality trait to stand out, embodying a muscular stance that looks like it’s sprung forward in motion, even when standing still.
* A versatile interior that can be rearranged for various activities, from working or operating a business, to hauling bulky cargo. A low floor allows for reconfigurable, removable seats on sliding tracks that can be nested.
* Vents, dashboard display bezels and door trim that can be personalized and made with 3-D printing technology, and an online community for owners where they can share design ideas.
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