TABLE OF CONTENTS
An open source electric car represents a fundamental shift in how vehicles are designed, built, and owned. Instead of buying a sealed product from a manufacturer, you get access to everything: the blueprints, the software, the electrical diagrams, and the freedom to modify any part of it.
What Is an Open Source Electric Car?
An open source electric car is more than just a vehicle. It is a complete framework that gives you access to all the technical information needed to build, modify, or repair an electric vehicle yourself. This includes detailed CAD files for every mechanical component, electrical schematics for the entire power system, software source code for the vehicle computer, and comprehensive assembly documentation.
Traditional automakers treat their vehicles as black boxes. You buy the car, but you never truly own the knowledge behind it. Open source changes this completely. You get the same level of technical detail that engineers use to design the vehicle in the first place.
CORE PRINCIPLES
Transparency
Every design decision is documented and accessible
Repairability
You can fix anything because you have all the documentation
Customization
Modify the platform to fit your exact requirements
Community
Builders share improvements and innovations
Why Open Source Matters for EVs
The automotive industry has operated on secrecy for over a century. Proprietary designs, locked software, and dealer-only repairs have created a system where car owners are dependent on manufacturers for everything. Open source electric cars break this model entirely.
Independence from Manufacturers
When you have complete documentation, you are not dependent on a single company for parts or repairs. Components can be sourced from multiple suppliers.
Accelerated Innovation
Open source projects benefit from collective intelligence. When hundreds of builders work with the same platform, improvements happen faster.
Lower Costs
Open source documentation allows competitive manufacturing. Multiple suppliers can produce the same component, driving prices down through competition.
Documentation and CAD Files
Comprehensive documentation separates a true open source platform from a simple kit. The Olympus platform includes complete 3D CAD models of every component, detailed assembly drawings with tolerances and specifications, bill of materials with part numbers and supplier options, and step-by-step assembly instructions with photographs.
DOCUMENTATION INCLUDED
Chassis CAD Files
Complete 3D models of frame, suspension, structure
Battery Pack Design
Module layouts, cooling system, enclosure specs
Drivetrain Assembly
Motor mounting, transmission, axle configurations
Wiring Harness Diagrams
Every connector, wire gauge, and routing path
Electrical Schematics
The electrical system of an electric vehicle is complex. High voltage battery packs, motor controllers, DC-DC converters, charging systems, and safety interlocks all need to work together perfectly. Open source schematics give you complete visibility into how everything connects.
Battery pack configuration
Main contactor sequencing
Motor controller connections
DC fast charging interface
Emergency disconnect systems
Vehicle computer systems
Lighting and signaling
HVAC controls
Sensors and monitoring
Auxiliary systems
CAN bus networks
Message definitions
Timing requirements
Diagnostic protocols
Third-party integration
Assembly Process
Building an open source electric car follows a structured process. The platform arrives as a complete rolling chassis with all major systems installed. From there, you add body panels, interior components, and any customizations.
Platform Preparation
Inspect the chassis and verify all components against the documentation. Connect diagnostic equipment and run system checks. The platform should drive under its own power at this stage.
Body Integration
Mount your body design using the documented attachment points. Route any additional wiring for lights, doors, and accessories. Install glass, seals, and exterior trim.
Interior Completion
Install seats, dashboard components, and interior panels. Connect HVAC ducting and cabin controls. Complete final wiring for accessories and entertainment systems.
Testing and Calibration
Perform full system diagnostics. Calibrate steering and brake systems. Test all safety features. Complete road testing and final adjustments.
Customization Options
Open source means unlimited customization. Unlike traditional vehicles where modifications void warranties and create compatibility issues, the open platform is designed for modification.
Body Styles
Truck, van, sedan, custom
Battery Sizes
42 to 72 kWh options
Motor Configs
Single or dual motor
Wheelbase
Adjustable length
Software
Fully programmable
Autonomous
Self-driving ready
The Olympus Open Platform
The Olympus Kit represents the most complete open source electric vehicle platform available today. It combines production-ready hardware with comprehensive documentation, giving you everything needed to build a fully functional electric vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does open source mean for an electric car?+
Do I need engineering experience?+
Can I manufacture parts myself using the CAD files?+
Is the software also open source?+
How does this compare to buying a traditional EV?+
Start Building Your Open Source Electric Vehicle
Get the complete Olympus Kit with full documentation, CAD files, and electrical schematics. Start your open source EV project today.
CONFIGURE YOUR PLATFORM >>>