Deep Orange 1

ENGINEERED BY:

POWERED BY:

DESIGNED BY:

Deep Orange is a vehicle prototype program at Clemson University for pioneering education, research and industry collaboration within the graduate degree programs in automotive engineering. The initiative strives for practical application of acquired engineering proficiency in product development, manufacturing concepts and vehicular electronics through a systems-engineering approach. A new Deep Orange project is started annually to create an engineering concept car that is finished two years later.

Deep Orange 1 was created with the Gen-Y consumer segment in mind. Working with the Clemson Department of Marketing, Clemson students examined seven different market segments, which created a challenging product design perspective. They studied Gen-Y consumers to understand their lifestyle patterns, trends and activities, needs and priorities.

DEEP ORANGE 1

Deep Orange 1 integrates four main features into one vehicle to push the boundaries of future mobility. These four features revolve around Powertrain, energy storage, seating concept and infotainment.

POWERTRAIN

The baseline vehicle has been converted into a range-extended, plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle. The overall range is 400 miles with 20 miles of emission-free driving. It also goes 0-60 mph in less than 10 seconds. The batteries can be charged by an on-board charger in five hours at 110v.

SEATING CONCEPT

A novel seating concept achieves a more lightweight seating system and improved occupant safety. The concept is based on unique seat attachment architecture that mounts the seatâ€™s backrest to both the roof and floor of the vehicle.

ENERGY STORAGE

The lithium polymer battery enclosure has been formed using a technology patented by Industrial Origami Inc. The technology folds lighter-gauge aluminum into complex, high-load-bearing structures formed with simple, low-cost tooling and production investment.

INFOTAINMENT

This vehicle has no dedicated built-in radio/infotainment/navigation and demonstrates a concept for infotainment integration relying solely on a portable Smartphone device, in combination with a cloud-storage concept.

FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION

As part of the graduate automotive engineering program at Clemson, students are given the unique opportunity to create and build a concept vehicle. The project showcases advanced technologies and provides students an opportunity to work directly with automotive industry partners and experience all phases of the product development process.