In the heart of Signal Hill, California, a quiet revolution is taking place in the world of electric vehicles (EVs). Spearheaded by twin brothers Nikita Bridan and Iliya Bridan, Oilstainlab is a design consultancy that is pivoting to become a pioneering force of change in the future of mobility. Transitioning from offering design services to some of the biggest original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the auto industry to manufacturing their own bespoke electric vehicles, the brothers are driven by a deep belief in the potential of their vision.
The electric vehicle market, once hailed as the savior of the planet, has seen a shift in public perception. High costs, questionable environmental benefits, and lackluster driving experiences have tempered the enthusiasm that once surrounded EVs. Despite these challenges, the team at Oilstainlab believes that the future of mobility lies in electric vehicles. However, their approach differs markedly from the major automotive players. While large OEMs struggle with bloated infrastructure and slow adaptation to new technologies, Oilstainlab is carving out a niche by targeting high-end, enthusiast vehicles.
The market they are tapping into is not the mainstream EV sector dominated by mass-market models. Instead, they are focused on creating vehicles that appeal to those who crave the soul, emotion, and visceral experience that traditional combustion engines provide but within an electric framework. This is a segment of the market that has been largely ignored by EV manufacturers, and Oilstainlab sees a significant opportunity to fill this void.
The brothers’ approach to design is both innovative and respectful of automotive history. They aim to fuse the latest in cutting-edge EV technology with design elements that evoke the romanticism and emotion of classic cars from the 1960s and 70s. The result is a vehicle that doesn’t just stand out as an automobile of the future but resonates with the nostalgia of enthusiasts. It is a crucial balance of tech and heritage, ensuring that their cars are accessible and desirable to a broader audience.
Unlike other manufacturers who attempt to mimic the sound and feel of combustion engines with artificial enhancements like external speakers, Oilstainlab rejects this approach. They are focused on creating an entirely new experience of EV performance that doesn’t rely on imitating the past but instead offers something genuinely new and exhilarating.
However, entering this niche market is not without its challenges. The high cost of developing cutting-edge EV technology and the small scale of their operations means that Oilstainlab must focus on the premium segment of the market. For now, their vehicles are targeted at those who can afford the luxury of a bespoke, high-performance EV. But the brothers have a broader vision. They aspire to eventually bring their innovations to a more affordable, mass-market segment as technology matures and production scales increase.
But how are they capturing their audience? One way is using virtual reality (VR) to engage potential customers and investors. By offering an immersive experience that allows users to virtually explore their vehicles, they can showcase their designs long before the first physical model is built. This not only saves on the significant costs associated with prototyping but also provides a unique way to build excitement and commitment among their target market.
From engineering hurdles to navigating complex regulatory landscapes, the journey has been fraught with obstacles. Yet, their passion for creating something real, something tangible that they can see and touch, keeps them moving forward. It’s a drive that comes from years of working in a digital, often transient world of design, where ideas are frequently scrapped before they ever see the light of day. For them, the satisfaction of bringing a concept to life in the form of a physical product is unmatched.
Looking ahead, Nikita acknowledges that the complete replacement of combustion vehicles by EVs is unlikely. There are simply too many scenarios where EVs don’t make practical sense, from rural areas with limited charging infrastructure to regions with extreme climate conditions. However, in urban centers where most people live, the case for EVs is strong, and it is here that Oilstainlab sees the greatest potential for their vehicles.
The journey to creating a successful EV company is long and arduous, but the brothers at Oilstainlab remain undeterred. Their advice to others facing similarly daunting challenges is simple: persistence. The road may be filled with setbacks and frustrations, but the key is to keep moving forward, step by step, until the vision becomes a reality.
As the world continues to grapple with the transition to sustainable energy, companies like Oilstainlab offer a glimpse into what the future of driving could look like — beautiful, thrilling, and, at least in part, electric.
