Tara EV

The design challenge for Tara EV was to design + engineer a lightweight electric golf cart that outperformed traditional models in efficiency and adaptability. The brief required a solution that would significantly cut the weight by 50%, utilise advanced lithium batteries to enhance performance and lifespan, and incorporate modularity to streamline manufacturing and dealer customisation. This was to meet the growing market demand for more sustainable, cost-effective, and adaptable electric vehicles within the golf and resort industry, with the aim of establishing a new global standard in the light electric vehicle category.

The Tara EV carefully balances advanced engineering with distinctive aesthetics, setting new standards in light electric vehicles. The ground-up development focused on a lightweight lithium battery and aluminium chassis platform to cut weight by 50%, leading to longer drive times and minimising damage to the golf course. Design modularity allows for easy assembly and quick customisation with swappable panels. Tara features a sleek two-tone colour scheme, compact alloy wheels, and an extended roofline for enhanced comfort. Developed by D+I, John Bristow, and Xiamen New Energy Automobile Co., rigorous prototyping and iterative testing ensured that functionality and style met international safety and performance standards while optimising manufacture and freight.

Tara EV significantly reduces manufacturing costs through design-for-manufacture strategies and modular construction, enhancing its commercial appeal and positioning the company as a leader in electric vehicle manufacture and micro-mobility. Its efficient, lightweight lithium batteries reduce energy consumption and waste, promoting environmental sustainability. The vehicle offers a sustainable mobility solution, lowering carbon footprints in golf and resort venues. Customisable, easily swappable body panels improve serviceability and extend vehicle life. Design innovations also optimise freight efficiency, reducing shipping costs and environmental impact, leveraging design as a competitive advantage in the market.

dvanced Battery Technology: Utilises high-cycle, maintenance-free lithium batteries, offering faster recharge times, extended drive time on the course, and significantly more recharge cycles compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. Lightweight Construction: Employs innovative lightweight aluminium in its chassis design, ensuring the vehicle remains under 250 kg, which is up to 50% lighter than conventional models, a critical requirement to reduce the impact on golf course grounds. Ergonomic Design: Features an ergonomic layout that enhances comfort and operability, including intuitive controls and premium upholstery with contrast stitching, tailored to meet the needs of users. Aesthetic Appeal: Adopts a two-tone colour scheme with high-contrast delineation that creates an approachable brand persona and visually lightens the vehicle’s profile, complemented by compact, stylish alloy wheels. Enhanced Passenger Experience: Equipped with an extended roofline and fold-down windshield, improving comfort and adaptability to various weather conditions. Resilient Exterior Finishes: Offers a selection of UV-stable high-gloss and matte finishes that are durable, easy to maintain, and designed to reflect sunlight to reduce heat absorption. Modular Design for Easy Customization: Incorporates a design that allows for easy part customization, repair, and replacement, facilitating dealer modifications and adaptation in diverse markets. Optimised for Transportation: Design considerations include optimization for efficient bulk freight transportation, reducing logistics costs and environmental impact during shipping.