A group of students built a modular EV that lets owners repair it themselves and it exposes a major EV problem
Published on Jan 25, 2026 at 12:13 AM (UTC+4)
by Grace Donohoe
Last updated on Jan 22, 2026 at 10:25 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
A set of students have built a modular electric vehicle that challenges how repairable modern EVs really are.
Students at the Eindhoven University of Technology, with help from those at Fontys and Summa, created the ARIA EV.
The aim? Challenging European policymakers and inspiring the industry with cutting-edge design that lasts longer, with reduced maintenance costs.
Thanks to their impressive engineering, one major issue with EVs has been brought to the surface, and it may shock you.
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Meet the ARIA modular EV
The EV is made of compartments, meaning if a part fails, that singular aspect can just be replaced.
The car comes with a built-in toolbox and app that shares the status of the car, allowing repairs to be carried out by you.
Now, you’re used to seeing EVs like Tesla use one mighty battery pack, but this modular EV switches things up.
Modular EV ARIA enlists the help of six small battery modules that weigh 12 kilos individually, providing a combined power of 12.96 kWh.
When it comes to the shell of the car, things are even more impressive – panels simply click off.
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The build exposed a major problem
Thanks to the design, the students managed to shed light on a common problem that affects lots of EVs.
Known as the more sustainable vehicle, sometimes, this isn’t truly the case.
You see, parts like batteries are located deep into the car, which means repairs take more time and money, and ultimately, this leads to more electric vehicles having to end their lives sooner than they should, which doesn’t do the environment any good.
“That undermines the sustainable image of the EV,” Team Manager Taco Olmer said.
He explained that while new European rules have been put in place to allow the right to repair products, they focus on household and consumer electronics.
He added: “EVs still fall through the cracks. With ARIA, we show what is possible and hope to encourage the EU to apply those rules to passenger cars as well.
“At the same time, we want to show the automotive industry that sustainable and practical design really is achievable. If we can build this within a year, there are opportunities for the industry.”
But the good news is, now that the modular EV has shed light on this issue, things can only look up from here.
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Beginning her career as a lifestyle reporter and social-media manager, Grace joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025. Since coming on board, has thrown herself into the busy daily writing schedule. Her editorial sweet spots include writing about luxury properties and the quirky features inside them that the one percent are investing in, as well as groundbreaking advancements in space exploration.
