As a leading pioneer in the space of 3D-printed autonomous vehicles, Local Motors is poised to help transform the entire business model for electric vehicles, while helping to drive the wider adoption of the technology. Since its inception, Local Motors has debuted no less than three world firsts; the world’s first co-created vehicle, the world’s first 3D-printed car and the world’s first co-created, self-driving, electric vehicle, Olli.

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During a recent Q&A with Ride, Local Motors President Vikrant Aggarwal discusses some of the vast and growing benefits of its 3D-printed EV Olli shuttle as well as some of the challenges associated with expanding the technology.

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Q: The cornerstone of Local Motors electric vehicles is the company’s 3D printing process, which presents a unique challenge in itself, given that the average consumer tends to know very little about the technology. What do you think is the biggest misconception about 3D-printed vehicles?

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A: I think people still can’t fully comprehend that we can bring 80 percent (3D printing) per shuttle. People tend to think that 3D printing can be used, but more for parts or for components. There is (also) a perception that (3D printing) doesn’t’ have the strength…flexibility and durability that a non 3D-printed shuttle has, which is nothing further from the truth.

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