Innovation in Panasonic Corporation’s 100th Anniversary Commuter EV Challenges the ARRK Japan Team

In an effort to keep the world moving, the Panasonic Corporation created a concept that would potentially provide societies with new mobility options. Panasonic reached out to ARRK Japan to manufacture an innovative Electric Vehicle, otherwise known as EV, to be exhibited at an event commemorating the company’s 100th anniversary. The initial proposal seemed like a great challenge, as the ARRK Japan team was not too experienced in manufacturing actual commuters. This proposal, naturally, brought forth a sense of anxiety amongst the team, but was quickly met headfirst with a high sense of confidence and morale.

Customer Request

The Panasonic Corporation requested an EV Commuter able to transport passengers back and forth without the need for a conductor. The most important factor to be met was that this vehicle would need to be produced with the utmost levels of safety and durability. Further, in order to meet the requirements of the motor, supplied by the Panasonic Corporation, the power unit was designed with a target weight not exceeding 1,600 kg with no passengers.

« Panasonic Corporation Model

ARRK's solution

From the introduction of this project to the ARRK Japan team, it was made clear that given the shoer lead time of approximately four months, each process would be individually lead by a team member. This formed an intelligent team to better understand and tackle each area with accuracy adhering to the customer’s specifications perfectly.

For the cabin, door panels, and exterior panels, the team adopted a molding method called Dry Carbon, a method often used for racing vehicles. Masterfully utilizing this method, the team was able to manufacture the front and rear parts of the cabin in a monocoque structure, successfully keeping the weight to just under 1,400 kg.

ARRK Japan Team Woking »

Project outcome

It was very important for the ARRK Japan team to maintain close communication with the Panasonic Corporation regarding product specifications and safety details. Days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months filled with tension and uncertainty. Would we be able to meet our deadline? Will the dry carbon monocoque cabin requested from our partners be completed as designed?

Well, with the tireless efforts of our sales, project leaders, production managers and each clearly defined production department, the EV for the Panasonic Corporation was completed in time, exceeding the customer’s expectations. We were able to deliver a commuter vehicle perfectly meeting all technical and safety requirements set forth in the initial planning stages despite the high degree of difficulty involved.

« EV Panasonic’s Corporation Model

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Innovation in Panasonic Corporation’s 100th Anniversary Commuter EV Challenges the ARRK Japan Team

Customer Request

ARRK's solution

Project outcome

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