Local Motors just 3D printed a car at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show

By Stephen Edelstein January 13, 2015

local motors 3d prints a car at the 2015 detroit auto show strati — Image used with permission by copyright holder

One of the fundamental principles of science is the need to confirm results. A spectacular experimental outcome doesn’t mean anything if it can’t be replicated.

That’s probably also true of Local Motors and its continuing quest to prove the viability of 3D-printed cars.

The company known for crowdsourced design first 3D printed a car last fall at the International Manufacturing Technology show in Chicago, and now Local has done it again at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

The car it built in Detroit is an updated version of the Strati that debuted in Detroit, and it’s not just a publicity stunt. Local hopes to put the car on sale sometime later this year, pending certification by U.S. regulators.

The whole 3D-printing process takes about 44 hours, and obviously doesn’t require the massive machines of a typical automotive assembly plant. Local hopes to cut the printing time down to 24 hours.

The material used for the Strati is an ABS plastic reinforced with carbon fiber. The powertrain and other components are sourced from the Renault Twizy, a small electric vehicle sold in Europe.

Local says most of the Strati is 3D printed, including the entire body. The electric motor, battery pack, and running gear like suspension components, wheels, and brakes are manufactured conventionally, of course.

Local hopes to manufacture the Strati in a series of “microfactories” that it claims will be more sustainable than traditional manufacturing.

The company believes 3D printing will produce less waste and speed up delivery times. The relatively small footprint of the equipment could also allow Local to put its factories in urban areas, stimulating the economy without causing too much disruption.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Detroit Auto Show

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.