Local Motors to Produce First 3D Printed Electric Vehicle

Two weeks ago Local Motors announced the addition of Bre Pettis, Makerbot’s CEO and Founder, to their board of directors. This in itself was a major move for the vehicle manufacturer, seeking to produce 3D printed parts for their electric vehicles. However an announcement by the company today is even a bigger headline grabber.

This afternoon Local Motors announced that they, along with the Association For Manufacturing Technology, plan to build the world’s first 3D printed electric vehicle, and present it in just seven months at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago, IL, on September 8-13.

The International Manufacturing Technology Show is held every two years, with the last show being held in 2012. At that time, Local Motors was present and wowed the crowds by building their Rally Fighter vehicle, from start to finish, in just 5 days. This year’s project will likely blow that away, if a success.

“IMTS is the perfect venue on which to showcase the next evolution of Local Motors’ World of Vehicle Innovations,“ said Local Motors CEO Jay Rogers. “To deliver the first co-created, locally relevant, 3D-printed vehicle on an international stage dedicated to celebrating cutting-edge manufacturing technology is powerful reinforcement of our commitment to driving the Third Industrial Revolution.”

The purpose of this project is to show the world how additive manufacturing, along with sustainable green tech can produce a reliable, safe, groundbreaking vehicle, while creating jobs, and reducing production costs significantly.

“Local Motors is undeniably the first disruptive entrant into the U.S. automotive industry in decades. The innovations they are driving in the design, manufacture and sale of vehicles has been empowering individual innovators since 2007. Partnering with them to deliver safer, more functional, lightweight and efficient vehicles via new, innovative manufacturing technologies is core to our commitment to bring global technology advancements to the local level,” stated Bonnie Gurney, Director of Communications for the Association For Manufacturing Technology.

More details on exactly how the vehicle will be manufactured will likely be released as we get closer to the show in September. Further details on the company can be found at their website in the meantime.

Discuss Local Motors, and this project.