Calling it "reformer" is reductive, the E01 is much more than that. Know this project by a Portuguese student who wants to compete with the big brands.
Emanuel Oliveira is a design student at the Department of Communication and Art at the University of Aveiro who is both ambitious and talented. This student decided to turn his Master's thesis in Engineering and Product Design into a real automobile. Thus was born the E01, a microcar that intends to bring to the Portuguese roads a little of what will be the future of the automobile industry. Final grade? 19 values.
The project, developed under the guidance of professors Paulo Bago de Uva and João Oliveira, involves a commitment to structural innovation in the vehicle. According to Emanuel Oliveira, the complexity of the current methods used by the automobile industry “is reflected in production costs”.
With almost 2.5 meters in length and just 1.60 in height, the E01 goes against the trend of competing proposals on the market, which in general, according to the student, are marked by very regular and straight shapes. The inspiration for this electric model comes from the natural elements – dubbed “biodesign” – which makes the chassis and bodywork combine in a single element, without giving up versatility.
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"From the possibility of transporting four people to the folding of the rear seats, allowing for an increase in space for cargo storage, all aspects were thought to create an urban utility vehicle for use in short and medium distances"
In aesthetic terms, the proposal is different from the competition due to its formal simplicity, the feeling of safety and the large glazed surfaces, which completely modify not only the appearance, but also the environment inside the vehicle”.
Emanuel Oliveira
The large transparent areas, windscreen and large windows allow not only the passage of light from outside to the cabin, but also the application of photovoltaic panels that increase the autonomy of the vehicle itself. The E01 also includes “scissor doors” (vertical opening) and folded-down rear seats.
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Even taking into account the competition that already exists in the market – Smart Fortwo, Renault Twizy and the “reformer” microcars themselves (among others) – Emanuel Oliveira believes that there is room for the E01: “All have flaws, sometimes due to the high price, sometimes for reasons of safety and versatility of use, or even aesthetic issues”.
As for the engines, the E01 uses an electric motor connected to the rear wheels, with the positioning of the batteries on the vehicle's floor, which “improves performance, performance and behavior in use”.
Emanuel Oliveira affirms that the objective is to advance towards the production of the vehicle, noting that there are several technological clusters in Portugal dedicated to the production of components for automobiles that could converge. “Financial investment will be necessary, and the know-how is assured not only by this research, as well as by others from different areas within this theme, and also by professionals who integrate this industry, this research intending to make some additional contribution”.
