Student-built EV with detachable batteries can be repaired at home

Students from Eindhoven University of Technology, along with peers from Fontys and Summa in the Netherlands, have developed ARIA, a modular electric city car designed for easy home repair. Unlike conventional EVs with sealed and integrated components, ARIA is built from interchangeable modules—including detachable batteries, body panels, and electronics—that can be removed, repaired, or replaced using basic tools. The team also created detailed repair manuals, a built-in toolbox, and an app offering diagnostics and step-by-step guidance to empower non-expert owners to maintain their vehicles independently. ARIA features six smaller, hand-detachable batteries totaling 12.96 kWh, making battery replacement as simple as changing batteries in a remote control. The project aims to challenge the automotive industry and policymakers by promoting reparability to reduce waste, extend vehicle lifespan, and give drivers more control. Team manager Taco Olmer emphasized that while the EU’s 2024 Right to Repair legislation improves repairability for appliances and electronics, it largely excludes EVs.