TU/ecomotive with the new car ARIA.Sarp Gürel
Students in the Netherlands have developed a revolutionary modular electric city car that can be repaired at home using simple tools, standardized parts and clear manuals.
Designed by students from the Eindhoven University of Technology along with their peers from Fontys and Summa, the model aims to challenge the growing trend of EVs becoming harder and more expensive to service.
Named ARIA, the modular electric city car gives drivers far more control over their vehicle. Instead of relying on sealed components or tightly integrated systems, it is built from interchangeable modules that can be removed, repaired or replaced using basic tools.
The students revealed that their aim is to challenge the automotive industry to reconsider how EVs are made. By focusing on reparability, they hope not only to cut waste but also to extend vehicle lifespan and empower drivers to keep their cars running longer.
Repairs made simple
ARIA is built from separate components. These include the battery, body panels and interior electronics. If a door panel is dented or a sensor fails, the owner can simply remove the individual module and replace or repair it instead of dealing with an entire assembly.
That’s why, to ensure non-experts can handle the repairs, the team also came up with detailed repair manuals, a built-in toolbox, as well as an app that provides diagnostics, maintenance tips and step-by-step guidance.
ARIA was designed by students at the Eindhoven University of Technology.Credit: Sarp Gürel
In addition, while standard EVs have a single large, heavy battery, ARIA utilizes six smaller ones. Each of them weighs approximately 26 lbs (12 kilograms). They can also be detached by hand.
According to the young team, the process works almost as easily as replacing the batteries in a remote control. Together, the six batteries offer a total capacity of 12.96 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
A new repair philosophy
Taco Olmer, team manager, revealed that the innovative city car is aimed at sending a clear signal to policymakers. Olmer noted that the EU’s Right to Repair legislation, which passed in 2024, aims to make post-warranty repairs easier and cheaper.
But he believes it should also extend to electric vehicles. “The new European rules are a step forward, but they mainly focus on household appliances and consumer electronics,” Olmer explained. “EVs still fall through the cracks.”
He is certain that ARIA demonstrates the potential of a repair-friendly approach and hopes it will motivate the EU to apply the same standards to passenger cars.
With ARIA, the team intends to improve repair options for EVs at a time when this is becoming increasingly urgent. Modern EVs are becoming increasingly difficult to service. This is because batteries are often integrated into the chassis, parts are not standardized and are hard to obtain for independent garages.
Simultaneously, Europe is facing a shortage of technicians trained in high-voltage drivetrains and battery systems. This leads to longer repair times and higher costs. As a result, many electric cars are being discarded much earlier than necessary, undermining their sustainability.
“Right to Repair is about giving control back to the user,” Olmer concluded in a press release. “That’s exactly what we are doing as well.”
The Blueprint