ddp design fair

Tokyo-based startup HW Electro has unveiled its electric Kei van concept vehicle, PUZZLE.

It's a small rectangular vehicle just over 11 feet (about 3 meters) long and just under 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide. Designed for mobile vending and disaster relief, the vehicle is equipped with a socket, USB port, WIFI transmitter, and first aid kit behind the front panel. Charging will be done via solar panels.

PUZZLE has been thoroughly streamlined to give form to function, and this design philosophy is clearly reflected in its exterior. For example, the panels under the headlights, the leading edge of the roof, and the left front door and right rear door are made from the same exterior panel. By standardizing every detail and using common panels that are compatible in various locations, we eliminated waste and increased productivity during manufacturing. The rational design optimizes all resources in the manufacturing process, and the funds saved on hardware costs will be used to develop software and connected services.

"PUZZLE was designed to minimize wasted space when loaded, with comfort as a mode of transportation a top priority. Its squarer appearance than a typical minivan is the result of a near-cubic cargo space that makes the most of its given dimensions. Until now, cargo space in typical one-box vehicles has often tapered off towards the roof, meaning that every inch of the space originally provided is not utilized."

"User-friendly interior layouts are different for everyone. PUZZLE's interior panels are made in the form of a pinboard, allowing you to flexibly arrange the various interior parts as if you were organizing your own room. Even if one unit is used by multiple users, it's easy to swap in and out the kit you need where you want it - each driver can drive with the interior they want. "

HW Electro says the PUZZLE will be available in the U.S. in 2025, but there's still a ways to go. Plans are reportedly underway for a production model based on the concept car, and pricing has not been announced.

Link to original article: core77.com/posts/126315/A-Tiny-Rectilinear-Electric-Van-With-Swappable-Panels-Modular-Interior?utm_source=core77&utm_medium=from_title

Originally published by Core77