Xiamen Dalle New Energy Automobile Co., in partnership with John Bristow, approached D+I with the aim to become the global leader in light electric vehicle design and manufacture, starting with the development of the Tara EV. Offering high-quality design, paired with innovative lightweight aluminium construction to achieve a curb weight of just 250Kg, making the Tara EV up to 50% lighter when compared with competitors' lead acid-battery vehicles. Utilising a lightweight, high-cycle, lithium-battery power-cell, offers a longer lifespan, maintenance-free operation, faster recharge times, and more recharge cycles. To support production-implementation and dealer-experience, our efforts also focused on optimised Design for Manufacture (DFM) strategies to reduce production cost; modularity for ease of assembly; optimisation for efficient bulk freight transportation; and swappable body panels allowing for easy clip-on dealership customisation.

The development of Tara involved a comprehensive design and engineering process that carefully balanced aesthetic-vision with functional-requirements; and established both a distinct design language and vehicle-platform on which to build a future model range. This process included an extensive product research and discovery phase, followed by concept and development, ergonomic analysis, conceptual modelling, visualisation and prototyping, A-surface digital sculpting, detailed mechanical engineering design, followed by rigorous testing. Review and evaluation processes were undertaken to ensure Tara met the highest standards for operation, usability, and compliance according to international safety + performance specifications; before handover to Dalle New Energy Automotive Co. for final implementation for production, with a target capacity of over 10,000 units annually.

Each phase was undertaken with the Xiamen Dalle New Energy Automobile Co. team and John Bristow to deliver a solution that would establish Tara as the new standard in the competitive Micro-Mobility/Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) category. Tara's design strikes a balance between desirability and utility, adopting a two-tone colour scheme with high-contrast delineation invoking an approachable, brand persona while also reducing visual weight. Its modern form features clean integration of headlamps and grille in a contemporary, minimalist automotive approach. Compact (Superlight) alloy wheels anchor the vehicle's stance, while an extended roofline and a fold-down windshield enhance the passenger experience under all/varying weather conditions.

Modular design allows for ease-of part customisation, repair and replacement, ensuring adaptability in diverse markets and applications. The construction showcases precision with flush panel gap alignment, indicative of much higher-value automotive applications. Exterior finishes have been selected for resilience and ease of maintenance, featuring a choice of UV stable high-gloss and/or matte finish combinations that resist wear + reflect sunlight. Inside, the focus is on user comfort and operability with intuitive ergonomic controls and premium upholstery, accented by contrast stitching. Tara's premium and friendly design positions Xiamen Dalle New Energy Automobile Co. as a light electric vehicle category leader, setting a new standard through appealing aesthetics, precision engineering, and cutting-edge technology.