---
title: "Aether: an electric concept car for the next generation"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/aether-an-electric-concept-car-for-the-next-generation/
date: 2024-12-05
modified: 2024-12-05
lang: en
author: "Tess Boissonneault"
description: "The Aether concept car is a next-gen vehicle—literally. The fully electric concept car, which leverages cutting-edge technologies like computational modeling and additive manufacturing, was designed for Gen Z drivers by..."
categories:
  - "Automotive AM"
  - "Electric Vehicles"
  - "Parametric Design"
  - "Research & Education"
tags:
  - "future"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aether-car-2-640x427.jpeg
word_count: 546
---

# Aether: an electric concept car for the next generation

The Aether concept car is a next-gen vehicle—literally. The fully electric concept car, which leverages cutting-edge technologies like computational modeling and additive manufacturing, was designed for Gen Z drivers by students at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) who were interested in emphasizing the environment, advanced technology and personalized aesthetics.

Led by Rafael Corazza, an automotive designer and professor of industrial design, the Aether concept car project relied heavily on [parametric design](https://www.voxelmatters.com/category/software/parametric-design/) and advanced manufacturing technologies, like HP's Multi Jet Fusion process, to bring to life aestheticized and functional [automotive interior components](https://www.voxelmatters.com/category/additive-manufacturing/automotive/), such as speaker covers, headrests and seat cushions. For these elements specifically, the SCAD team leveraged [Rhino 3D's](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/rhino3d/) Grasshopper tool to parametrically design a custom lattice, which was ultimately 3D printed using MJF and BASF's flexible TPU 88A.

[![Aether Concept Car](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aether-car-3.jpeg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aether-car-3.jpeg)

The design process for the interior components, which was led by industrial design student Lilian Brown, had the aim of creating elements that were both ergonomic and visually interesting. With a custom lattice and the use of flexible yet durable 3D printed TPU, the team succeeded in achieving this.

For the exterior, the student team created digital models using Rhino 8 and physical prototypes using 3D printing. In the design journey, the students went through several iterations until they were satisfied with the Aether's exterior. This final design incorporates panels with a unique transparent hexagonal pattern. This feature did present certain challenges related to offsets and jointing, however the SCAD students were eventually able to ensure printability by using "simplified extrusion." The main exterior panels for the Aether were brought to life using a large-scale 3D printer and integrates a UV-cured acrylic gel.

[![Aether Concept Car](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aether-concept-car-4.jpeg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aether-concept-car-4.jpeg)

"The Aether electric vehicle, developed in Savannah, proposes a new design language that appeals to the Gen Z demographic while paying homage to influential cars of the past, including the Ferrari 312 F1 and the Porsche 917," SCAD [writes](https://www.scad.edu/about/news-press-and-recognition/2024-10-14-scad-designs-two-innovative-electric-vehicle-car). "The vehicle’s racing aesthetic includes an open top and an AI companion that curates music based on driving style. Aether was entirely printed with innovative 3D technology that incorporates acrylic gel photocured with UV lights. This technology was a key element to the success of developing the car in record time, making Aether the first car ever built using this technology."

The Aether concept car was realized over a year-long development process, during which the SCAD team learned about advanced digital design software and designing for additive manufacturing, as well as collaborated with industry experts, including Paul Hawkins of Flying Cow Upholstery, who gave vital input into the vehicle's upholstery design. In addition to the Aether convertible sports car, SCAD students also designed an off-road vehicle, the Tyr.

[![Aether Concept Car](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aether-concept-car-5.jpeg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aether-concept-car-5.jpeg)

"Over the last 12 months, SCAD Bees have achieved what students elsewhere could only dream of: designing and building not one but two electric vehicles,” said SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace. “We transform SCAD students into pros by compelling them to create real products for real clients and within the constraints of real time, modeling professional practice. These new electric vehicle concepts answer an essential question for the automotive industry as more and more young people are choosing not to drive at all, using rideshare and public transportation instead. SCAD’s Aether and Tyr reverse that shift in spectacular ways—because we do our research!"