Designing Durability.
Tangent recently partnered with electric vehicle startup Zeus Motors LLC, to design and develop the interior for Zeus’ first foray into the electric work truck market, the Zeus Z-19.
Working closely with Zeus’ team of designers and engineers, Tangent developed the Z-19 interior from concept CAD all the way to tool ready production parts. Using Autodesk Alias, VRED, and VR, Tangent was able to create genuine class A surfaces, and full-scale digital models for rendering and ergonomic evaluation.
Focus on Function.
Tangent’s unique relationship with thermoforming suppliers, and its in-depth knowledge of the process was crucial in the development of the Z-19’s main dash surfaces. Given the vehicle’s initial low volume run, this manufacturing process provided Zeus with components that would be durable and stylish at relatively low costs compared to injection molding.
Extra attention was paid to the Z-19’s many work surfaces. Given the industrial nature of the vehicle, Tangent looked to build in as much functional storage and durability as possible from the word go. Clean lines, and minimal features mean that the Z-19’s dash is both easy to clean and maintain.
Show Your Work.
Embracing exposed fasteners was a must for the Tangent design team. This allowed the Z-19’s interior to be meaningfully more durable than with hidden fasteners alone. Contributing to the Z-19’s overall functional work truck aesthetic, while allowing for ease of user maintenance.
Laser cut aluminum accents throughout the vehicle double as grab handles. While storage cubby catches on the passenger side dash and door panels add multiple levels of style and function the Z-19’s interior.
