James Provost - Technical Illustrator » Automotive

Green Cars in the New York Times

James Provost — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:56:41 +0000

An ongoing project with the Union of Concerned Scientists just got a write up on the New York Times’ auto blog.

The organization’s Model E crossover is conceived as a platform that can accommodate any one of four propulsion systems. The same body would be expected to house a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen fuel-cell or purely electric powertrain. [...] The union plans to add a family car, a compact and a pickup to the Model E lineup. Each vehicle would be relatively inexpensive to build, buy and operate, encouraging wide adoption, according to the group.

Spring Cleaning

James Provost — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 05:28:49 +0000

Spring has sprung, so I’ve dusted off some recent work and added it to my technical illustration and infographics portfolios.

Lots more to come—stay tuned!

Car Ergonomics for Seniors

James Provost — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 04:25:36 +0000

Illustration of ergonomic and safety guidelines for senior drivers.
For AAA Living Magazine, AD Chris Ferguson.

Electric Vehicles

James Provost — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 04:14:58 +0000

Cover for a report on the electrification of fleet vehicles and the transportation sector. AD Ryan Reynolds

How do car batteries work?

James Provost — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:30:24 +0000

Straight-up technical illustration to accompany an AAA Living article explaining how car batteries work and why they fail. I’ve been working in a variety of styles recently, so it was nice to do something more representational. Being a technical illustrator is like being a designer, in that ‘style’ is just another tool for communication. Thanks to AD Chris Ferguson for the great project!

Car Battery Cutaway

James Provost — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:30:07 +0000

Technical illustration showing how a conventional automotive battery works. Electrons in the positive plates (red) race through an electrolytic solution of water and sulfuric acid into the negative plates (blue). The six cells produce a total of 12.6 volts, powering the ignition system and starting the engine. In older batteries, lead sulfate crystals hinder the flow of electrons. AAA Living, AD Chris Ferguson.

Electrification Roadmap

James Provost — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:30:27 +0000

I recently had the pleasure of working under the exceptional art direction of Ryan Reynolds from MSDS on Electrification Roadmap. This report is a vision for an electric transportation sector and nationwide supergrid, published by the Electrification Coalition, a not-for-profit group seeking to affect energy policy to reduce economic, environmental and national security risks.

Electrification Roadmap Cover Concepts

I created lineart illustrations describing the different technologies that enable electric transportation: the different drive-train configurations (hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and full electric) contrasted with conventional internal combustion engines, lithium-ion cells and battery packs, and home charging stations.

We also worked together on concepts for the cover that leaned towards editorial illustration, an area I’ve been exploring recently. The concepts play on the vernacular of circuit diagrams, information graphics and transit maps using symbols of alternative energy and transportation.

Despite the final above not being used, it’s always great to work on positive projects with forward thinking people.

Hybrid Vehicle Configurations

James Provost — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:09:55 +0000

Diagrams revealing the key components and features of different automotive drivetrain technologies: internal combustion, hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in electric (PHEV) and electric (EV). For Electrification Roadmap, a whitepaper on the electrification of America’s transport sector. AD Ryan Reynolds.

Power Split Device

James Provost — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:03:51 +0000

Hybrid power split device consisting of a high-efficiency four-cylinder internal combustion engine, a continuously-variable transmission and two electric motor/generators. The power split device blends drive power from the engine and motors, and applies it to the wheels.

Automotive Cutaway Illustrator Yoshihiro Inomoto

James Provost — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:30:00 +0000

Cult of Cars blog Jalopnik has profiled legendary automotive illustrator Yoshihiro Inomoto.

With very little formal training, Inomoto began his career in 1952, long before the convenience and accuracy of computers, working in pencil and acrylic paints. Through his career he created highly detailed cutaway illustrations for Mazda, Nissan, Honda, Ferrari, Bugatti and publications like Automotive Quarterly.

These cutaways peeled away layers of stamped metal to reveal the latest technological developments in the automotive world, as well as inspiring the next generation of automotive engineers and technical illustrators.