Dutch Engineering Students Develop Modular Electric Vehicle Designed for User Repairs

Dutch engineering students have unveiled an electric vehicle concept designed around a simple idea: drivers should be able to fix their own cars. Developed by Eindhoven University of Technology’s TU/ecomotive team, the prototype challenges an industry model that typically locks repairs behind dealerships, proprietary tools, and tightly controlled service networks. The vehicle even carries its own toolbox, signaling a deliberate shift toward user-controlled maintenance.

This modular EV concept represents a significant departure from current automotive industry practices, where manufacturers often restrict access to repair information, specialized tools, and replacement parts. By designing a vehicle that owners can maintain themselves, the students are addressing growing consumer frustration with repair costs and dependency on authorized service centers. The approach could potentially reduce long-term ownership expenses and extend vehicle lifespans through more accessible maintenance.

The development comes amid increasing scrutiny of right-to-repair legislation worldwide, with governments considering measures to ensure consumers have access to the tools and information needed to fix their own devices and vehicles. The student project demonstrates that alternative design philosophies are possible in the electric vehicle sector, which has largely followed traditional automotive service models despite its newer technology foundation.

While the prototype remains a concept vehicle, its underlying philosophy could influence future EV designs if adopted by manufacturers. The modular approach to vehicle construction and maintenance represents a potential paradigm shift in how consumers interact with their automobiles, moving from passive users dependent on specialized service networks to empowered owners capable of basic repairs and maintenance. This development highlights ongoing innovation in the EV space beyond just battery technology and range improvements, addressing broader issues of sustainability, consumer rights, and long-term vehicle ownership economics.

The project from Eindhoven University of Technology’s TU/ecomotive team continues a tradition of student-led innovation in sustainable transportation. Previous projects from the team have explored various aspects of electric and alternative fuel vehicles, with this latest concept focusing specifically on repairability and user maintenance. The vehicle’s design incorporates modular components that can be easily accessed and replaced without specialized equipment, potentially reducing electronic waste and promoting a more circular economy approach to automotive manufacturing.