Relay: Linked Commuter Vehicle Concept
Your commute, reimagined: electrically linked vehicles that join into a social platoon and adapt to the season.
Research
Relay began with the people who commute and the ways their options fall short. The lifestyle board centred on four values (fun, culture, community and efficiency) and a set of needs: seasonal adaptability, daily commutes, fun trips, social connection and storage solutions.
Painpoints
- Multiple modes of transport: longer commutes, less freedom in scheduling, and multiple points of failure.
- Public transit: limited by time and stops, with safety and individuality concerns, and a last mile that is usually physical.
- Individual automobile: no community or socialization, attention that must stay on driving, and no economy of scale like public transit.
Design intent
- Limit the time needed to plan trips and daily commutes.
- Connect users socially to provide a positive driving experience.
- Adapt to user needs, temperature, modularity and fun.
The Concept
The board's research found that 75% of people drive cars, crowding the streets and polluting the air, while the other 25% walk, bike or take complicated public transit routes. Relay bridges the gap between cars and public transit, forming an independently owned, social transportation network: a whole new means of travel.
Electronically linked platooning
Relay vehicles use sensors and digital data to link electronically, driving within centimetres of each other. While connected, users can choose to interact and socialize with other drivers. Relaying lets users travel farther while reducing congestion and emissions, supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals 7, 11 and 12.
Dashboard and app
Users can join or exit a Relay at any time, and Relays can be planned or spontaneous when other drivers are nearby. The My Relay app handles route planning, vehicle controls and chat with other drivers.
Parking
A Relay platoon of four fits in a standard parking spot with walking room between vehicles, so space is used more efficiently.
Ideation
Sketching explored the body, doors, storage and how vehicles nest together. Key features include a retractable roof for warm weather, removable rear storage that expands to hold larger items, and a LinQ-compatible roof rack for easily swappable utilities.
The Final Concept
Relay combines an adaptable, modular vehicle with a linked, social way to travel, built for winter streets and for everyday commuting alike.
