Client: InnovationAG S. A.
Year: 2023
We are thrilled to showcase our collaborative journey with InnovationAG the inventor and owner of the eVAN - the first fully road legal electric van from Poland. EXEON supported Innovation AG throughout the vehicle's design and engineering process.
Our responsibilities were centered around developing a detailed design and functional project. This included modeling high quality 3D CAD surfaces, designing exterior and the interior along with its functionality tests and engineering solutions.
CLIENT’S FEEDBACK
“The Polish company EXEON designed this car…
full respect to them because it's an art - we must be aware that designing a car involves knowledge of what will be liked and what the trends will be in 5 years - and here it's an achievement - I looked at it as a person managing this project and I think it turned out great. Recently, one of the very well-known manufacturers showed their line of delivery vehicles, and it's very similar to our eVAN, which only confirms the highest level of our design."
DESIGN PHASES
[1.0] Concept Ideation
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The concept ideation phase was a dynamic exploration of possibilities, where creativity met practicality. Our team delved into the evolving landscape of urban mobility, identifying the unique needs of electric delivery vehicles.... Read more This stage was characterized by extensive brainstorming sessions, where various design approaches were proposed and evaluated. The goal was to conceive a vehicle that not only addressed the functional requirements of urban deliveries but also resonated with sustainable and innovative trends.
[1.2] Concept Development
Comprehensive concept explorations resulted in key ideas that directed the subsequent development of eVAN.
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Transitioning from ideation stage to concept development, we refined our initial ideas into a coherent direction of the design. This phase involved a deeper analysis of the eVAN's intended use cases, focusing on optimizing space utilization, user efficiency, and the driver's experiences. ... Read more Key considerations included the vehicle's ergonomics, overall user experience, and maneuverability in urban environments. By balancing these elements, we developed a concept that aligned with our aspirations for a modern electric delivery vehicle, setting the stage for the subsequent engineering and detailed design phases.
[2.0] Conceptual Engineering
Our responsibility lay in ensuring that every aspect of the vehicle's design was optimized for manufacturing,
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fitting perfectly and maintaining compatibility with standardized components. Thanks to the interdisciplinary nature of our team, we were able to constantly monitor compliance with the concepts, confident that the eVAN project would keep its visual appeal, while at the same time remain aligned with practical engineering requirements and ready for seamless integration into the manufacturing process.... Read more During the conceptual engineering phase, our focus was on perfecting the manufacturing processes for both the interior and exterior of the vehicle, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility with ready-made components. The result could be achieved thanks to the close cooperation of the EXEON's team with our client's engineering team.
[3.0] Interior Concepts
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The eVAN's interior concept is designed to maximize operational efficiency and ensure driver comfort. We carefully planned the layout to optimize passenger space while providing an intuitive and accessible driver's cockpit.... Read more Special attention was paid to ergonomic considerations to reduce driver fatigue, as well as to maintain comfort during long urban delivery routes. A key consideration was to provide a wide range of visibility for precise control and to facilitate complex road maneuvers. A minimalist interior and selected durable materials serve to maintain the utilitarian, task-oriented nature of this vehicle. Conclusions from this stage were important for the activities and design decisions made in the next steps.
[3.1] Interior Variants
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Acknowledging the diverse needs of urban delivery services, we explored multiple interior variants for the eVAN. This involved designing adaptable layouts that could accommodate different use case scenarios, from parcel delivery to other commercial uses. We also considered the integration of customizable shelving and storage solutions, aiming to maximize space utilization and ease of access.... Read more We also considered the integration of customizable shelving and storage solutions, aiming to maximize space utilization and ease of access. The exploration of interior variants underscored our commitment to versatility, ensuring that the eVAN could meet the specific requirements of various delivery operations while maintaining a consistent level of efficiency and driver comfort.
[4.0] Exterior Detailed Design
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With a validated concept, we moved to elaborate on the design in greater detail. At this stage, the eVAN's aesthetics and functionality were refined, with a special focus on aerodynamics, optimization of interior space, and integration of advanced technological features.... Read more Every element of the vehicle has been analyzed and refined, from the curvature of the body to the layout of the dashboard. The detailed concept phase culminated in a complex design that captured the essence of the eVAN, ready to be implemented through further engineering and prototyping.
[5.0] Physical x Digital Mock-up
Creating both physical and digital mock-ups marked a significant milestone in the eVAN project, bridging the gap between conceptual designs and tangible prototypes.
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Digital mock-ups allowed us to quickly verify, iterate and test different design approaches in a virtual environment, enabling us to refine UX, aesthetics and ergonomics with great precision. At the same time, the physical mock-up provided valuable information on the actual feel and functionality of the design, ... Read more facilitating practical evaluation and customization. This dual approach, enhanced by combining the VR simulation with the physical mock-up, provided a complex understanding and validation of the vehicle design before moving on to more detailed development stages.
[7.1] Testing Iterations
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Feedback from these tests was crucial, leading to iterative improvements that enhanced the functionality. One such innovative conclusion was the observation that, with the unique shape of the dashboard providing a maximum of usable and depositional space, it was necessary to move the driver's main screen so that it could be seen beyond... Read more the outline of the steering wheel. This preserved the most optimal simultaneous view of the screen and the view behind the windshield. This stage was instrumental in identifying and addressing potential issues early in the development process, paving the way for a smooth transition to the engineering and prototyping phases
[7.0] Testing Iterations
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Mockup testing was a precise process, involving both virtual simulations and physical assessments to evaluate the eVAN's design under various conditions. This included testing for usability, safety, and driver experience, as well as studying the ergonomic ranges.
[9.0] Technical Feasibility
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Conducting a technical feasibility study was fundamental to assessing the viability of our design concepts and engineering solutions. This comprehensive evaluation covered aspects such as the eVAN's structural integrity, assembly sequencing, and other manufacturing metrics. By analyzing these factors,... Read more we were able to validate the technical soundness of our design and identify areas where further optimization was needed. The feasibility study also provided insights into the manufacturability of the vehicle, ensuring that our innovative design could be realistically implemented within the constraints of production capabilities and cost considerations.
[11] Detailed Interior
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The detailed interior design phase brought our concepts to life, focusing on finalizing the layout, materials, and features that define the eVAN's cabin. Every element, from seating to control interfaces, was designed with an emphasis on functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. We incorporated... Read more feedback from previous testing stages to refine the design, ensuring an optimal balance between operational efficiency and user experience. Advanced materials were selected for their durability and low weight, increasing the driving range of the entire vehicle, thereby enhancing its environmental aspects.
[10] Engineering Development
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In the engineering development phase, we transitioned from conceptual frameworks to concrete technical solutions, rigorously refining the eVAN's systems for optimal performance. This stage involved close collaboration between designers and engineers, as well as Client's development team,... Read more to ensure that every component, from the interior modules to the exterior panels, was developed for efficiency, safety, and reliability. Innovative engineering techniques and simulations were employed to solve complex challenges, such as integrating additive manufacturing processes to enable more design flexibility for the mid scale production.
[12] CAD Surface Modelling
Utilizing state-of-the-art CAD software, our team sculpted every curve and line of the vehicle, ensuring aerodynamic efficiency and aesthetic coherence with the initial design vision.
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The creation of CAD surfaces was a meticulous process that brought final precision to the eVAN's design. This step was crucial for assessing the manufacturability of design elements, allowing us to make necessary adjustments for production feasibility while maintaining the integrity of the original concept.
[13] CMF
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Selecting the right color, material, and finish (CMF) was an important aspect of the design process, directly influencing the eVAN's visual and tactile appeal. We chose materials for their durability and sustainability as well as their ability to convey futuristic character and the innovative spirit of the eVAN.... Read more The chosen palette is based on subdued colors with local strong accents. This is intended to reflect a reference to electromobility and a mnimalistic aesthetic, consistent with the urban and industrial landscape, while being interesting and fresh. Above that, the finishing as the main goal was to achieve a space that is as usable and practical as possible.
[14] Visualizations
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High-fidelity visualizations played a key role in bringing the eVAN project closer to stakeholders and arouse interest from potential customers before the physical prototype was built. These renderings provided a realistic preview of the vehicle's design,... Read more highlighting its features and functionalities in various contexts. Through detailed visualizations, we were able to communicate the eVAN's value proposition effectively, generating excitement and anticipation for its market introduction.
[15] Prototype Building
The prototype building phase marked a significant milestone in the eVAN project.
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This stage was lead by our Client -InnovationAG and involved assembling the prototype with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the design was accurately represented. Testing and adjustments were made in real-time, allowing for immediate feedback on the vehicle's performance and usability.
[14] Production Version
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Developing the production version of the eVAN required a seamless transition from prototype to manufacturing, focusing on scalability, cost-effectiveness, and quality control. This phase saw the culmination of our design and engineering efforts... Read more as we helped in preparation for the eVAN serial production. Ensuring that the production version retained the innovative features and design integrity of the final concept was crucial to the project's success.
[16] Alternative Bodies
Showcasing the eVAN potential for various use case scenarios.
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In one of the final stages of the project we developed a range of alternative exterior designs to cater to various specialized applications, including fire trucks, ambulances, camper vans, construction vehicles, and street sweepers. Each design was tailored to fulfill the operational needs and functional requirements unique to its service context.
[17] Promotional Materials
Creating compelling promotional materials was essential for introducing the eVAN to the market.
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This involved crafting narratives that highlighted the vehicle's innovative design, sustainability features, and practical benefits for urban delivery services. Through a combination of photography,... Read more video content, and digital media, we showcased the eVAN in real-world scenarios, illustrating its potential to revolutionize urban logistics and appeal to environmentally conscious businesses and consumers.
DESIGN & Engineering TEAM
