Volvo TCC (Tandem Concept Car)

New Designers 22 Nov 2006

The Volvo TCC (Tandem Concept Car) is a two-seater vehicle developed by English designer Rene Harrigan for his final thesis project at Coventry University.

The TCC (Tandem Concept Car) is a two-seater narrow vehicle with the passenger sitting behind the driver. It was designed by Rene Harrigan, who is currently graduating from Coventry University in Automotive Design.

"The idea for the Volvo TCC took shape while I was in Sweden, after I saw how people live, travel and what the family man drives." explains Rene Harrigan.


Above: The final renderings were done with Bunkspeed visualization software

In the designer’s initial concept the TCC was intended as a car for couples and singles, as the new design trend tends to capture a wider audience. The TCC uses the foot print of the 3CC Concept Car.

"The idea behind the design of this concept came from a look at the transport of the future and how congested the roads will be. […] Aerodynamics was taken to an all-new level of excitement for the next generation of Volvo buyers."

Fuel Cell Stack Technology

The Fuel-cell stack is made up of 200 individual cells connected in series, which deliver 100 kilowatts of continuous power and 139 kilowatts at peak power. It is kept cool by radiator system that’s powered by the fuel cells.

The system delivers DC voltage ranging from 130 to 250 volts, depending on the load in the circuit. The motor controller boosts this up to 260 to 390 volts and converts it to AC current to drive the three-phase electric motors that rotates the wheels.

The electric motors’ job is to apply torque to each wheel. The motors rotor spins at 12,000 revolutions per minute, developing a torque of 159 pound-feet. A single stage planetary gear with a ratio of 8.67:1 steps up the torque to apply a maximum of 1,375 pound-feet to each wheel, that’s enough torque to move the (850-kg) car 200+ miles per hour on a level road.

About the Author

Rene Harrigan studied at Coventry University (Coventry, England) where he did his 4yr BA in Automotive Design (Hons) Degree.

His works done during the academic period included a concept Lamborghini LM 400 designed for his Minor Project, a Jaguar XJ for the year 2015 and a Jeep Wrangler.

He was involved in a design project for Ford Motor Company in 2004 and also works with PRODRIVE Motor Sports, designing sport rims for the new Subaru Impreza.