Authors - Okose Divine Ofure, Azunka N. Ukala Abstract - Low-speed campus mobility presents a practical use case for compact EVs where high-voltage platforms are costly to procure, operate and maintain. Across campuses, short trips rely on walking, motorcycles, petrol vehicles or informal transport, despite predictable low-speed use. This creates demand for EVs that can be locally assembled and maintained with available parts. Yet much EV literature focuses on high-voltage platforms, leaving limited guidance for micro-EVs. This paper presents a safety-aware 48 V architecture for a single-seater campus micro-EV, integrating lithium-ion storage, BLDC traction, fused distribution, pre-charge sequencing, contactor switching and 12 V auxiliary supply. An analytical model estimates tractive force, power demand, battery current, energy use and state-of-charge under stop-start use. Results show 40 Wh/km, with ranges of 18 km, 21 km and 24 km for 15 Ah, 17.5 Ah and 20 Ah packs. The 20 Ah option lowers peak C-rate to 1.34 C, although 40 km needs 2.0–2.5 kWh or mass and loss reduction.
