First Kiwi 3D-printed electric car being built in South Auckland

New Zealand’s first 3D-printed electric car will come from South Auckland.

Ira Munn is working on The Drop – a three-wheeled electric car expected to be on the market by March 2018 at a cost of about $10,000, Stuff reports.

He’s based at Otara’s Accelerating Aotearoa, a charity supporting technology education and development.

The Drop is designed for commuters, will be motorway legal, and will have a battery range of up to 300 kilometres.

Munn has been developing the car for the past year, partnering with Massey University engineering students to produce it using a 3D printer.

The 3D vehicle kits will be built from recyclable materials. Munn says it’s a game changer as assembly lines are not required.

A prototype will be ready by August.

“It’s a first for New Zealand and I’m really excited that New Zealand can have an electric car it can call its own,” Munn says.

Munn and wife Shirelle emigrated to New Zealand from the United States in 2015 to set up his business Ierospace Industries International.

They connected with Judy Speight of Accelerating Aotearoa through Airbnb.

He’s been partnered with the charity since, and he hopes through it he can connect with young people to teach them more about 3D printing and involve them in the process.

A programme to increase the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) was announced in 2016 by the Government. It has a target of doubling the number of electric vehicles in New Zealand each year to reach about 64,000 by 2021.

Munn is confident an increase in electric vehicles in Auckland will make a difference to the environment.

“I’m excited about Ierospace having a role in helping accomplish that goal,” he says.

Munn is showcasing The Drop and Massey University’s 3D printer at Conferenz’s evworldNZ expo at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau in September.

New Zealand’s first combined electric vehicle industry and public event has a trade day on September 8, and a public open day on September 9 with entry free.

It will help celebrate International Drive Electric Week, September 9-17.
Visit conferenz.co.nz for more.