Technology Developed

To create a lightweight space frame chassis, CALLUM designed a hybrid steel-carbon structure. To do this, carbon tubes were bonded together and to the conventional steel sections using 3D printed nodes. By printing these nodes, they too could be optimised using topology analysis.

A Rapid-Charging battery module was built and tested. This is important to the recreational vehicle sector as it proves EV powertrains are a feasible option and can be used in a sector still dominated by ICE vehicles. Developing this vehicle concept and understanding how to build at volume in production are the next steps.

Significant Project Outcomes

This Proof of Concept project allowed the Consortium members to design, engineer and build the concepts.

Upon completing the engineering work, the battery modules were tested ina lab environment and proved they could perform as required. The hybrid chassis was built and proven to be 20% lighter than a like-for-like tubular steel chassis.

Commercial Opportunities

Now the physical chassis has been created, the next steps include building a full exterior body and mounting this to the frame. This allows a rolling prototype to be tested but also revealed to the public.

The target customers have been identified and consulted throughout the process.

Future funding will be through the consortium members, hopefully with additional NVN funding as well.

NVN Funding

The NVN funding has allowed the Consortium partners the time and the budget to fully investigate the novel technologies and prove them out.

“Working on an NVN funded project has been a great experience for CALLUM and the whole Consortium. It allowed us the freedom to investigate and explore technologies & processes that would normally not be the most considered practical for a regular Projects” Adam Donfrancesco, Engineering Director at CALLUM Designs