Table of contents for Winter 2023 in EV Builder Guide

NICOLAS NAVARRO ■ Location: Munich, Germany ■ Model: 1973 BMW 2002te ■ Vehicle Name: Houston ■ Time to Build: 1,050 hours ■ Cost to Build: $193,000 MOTOR & DRIVETRAIN ■ Motor Drive Unit: 2023 Tesla Small Drive Unit ■ Power: 120 kW/161 hp ■ Torque: 200 Nm/148 lb-ft ■ Voltage: 400V ■ Control System and Software: TTC Control ECUs ■ 0 to 60 time: 5.2 sec ■ Overall Vehicle Weight: 2,491 pounds BATTERY SYSTEM & CHARGER ■ Battery Capacity: 40 kWh ■ Battery Locations 2/3 front, 1/3 rear ■ Highway Range: 100 miles ■ City Range: 130 miles ■ Regen Type: Up to 25 kW ■ Charger Rate: 3-50 kW ■ Charger Location: Rear ■ DC Fast Charging: 50 kW CHASSIS/SUSPENSION ■ Installation Shop: Bavarian Econs ■ Lowering kit coilovers KW V3 Classic, special setup for Bavarian Econs ■ Control Arms: Original WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES ■ Wheels: Alpina 6x13…

Robert is giving away six of his cherished “dream cars” from his private collection in partnership with the FootPrint Coalition, a non-profit organization he established, dedicated to advancing environmental causes. FootPrint Coalition's nonprofit offers grant funding, provides education on solutions, and creates content to mobilize a global audience to support its efforts in accelerating groundbreaking technologies that address the world's largest environmental challenges. The eco-modified vehicles up for grabs include a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette, a 1966 Buick Riviera, a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SE, a 1972 Chevrolet K10 Pickup, a 1972 VW Bus, and a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino. All six cars are featured in Max's “Downey's Dream Cars” docuseries. While participation doesn't require a purchase or donation, donations are converted into entries. All entries have the same chance of winning. All…

THE second annual State of Charge event was abuzz with excitement as EV conversion enthusiasts from all over the country gathered in Golden, Colorado, just outside of Denver, during the first week of August at the Colorado School of Mines. This educational conference for performance EV conversions featured various activities, or “events within the event,” including hands-on training, keynotes and presentations, EV showcases, and even an afterparty, also known as the burnout session. This combination made for a fantastic event. The 2023 edition witnessed significant growth in attendees and, more importantly, substantial support from the EV conversion industry with most, if not all, key industry players attending to deliver insightful presentations. State of Charge 2023 provided an amazing opportunity to learn about the latest EV technology and connect with other…

AJ VELASCO ■ Location: Clifton, NJ ■ Year, Make, Model: 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance ■ Vehicle Name: Project 3.36 ■ Overall Vehicle Weight: 4,100 pounds ■ Amount of Time to Build: Three years ■ Cost to Build: $75,000 ■ Occupation: Software Solution Engineer MOTOR & DRIVETRAIN ■ Model: L13 211kw rear motor, 147kw front motor ■ Power: 358 kW/480 hp ■ Torque: 660 Nm/487 lb-ft ■ Voltage: 357V ■ 0 to 60 time: 3.2 seconds ■ ¼ mile time: 11.5 seconds BATTERY SYSTEM & CHARGER ■ Pack Design: Stock ■ Cell Type: 2170 lithium ion ■ Battery Capacity: 75 kW/h ■ Highway Range: 291 miles ■ DC Fast Charging: Up to 250 kW CHASSIS/ SUSPENSION ■ Installation Shop: Mikhail Katashev, a.k.a. Rat4life ■ Chassis: Unplugged Performance front and rear…

Best EV Conversion Artur Kustusch's 1998 Jaguar XJR Best Sedan AJ Velasco's Tesla Model 3 Best Coupe Blake Rhodes’ 1962 Volkswagen Best Use of Frunk David Perez Best Audio David Perez Best Interior Herve Fontaine Best Performance Igor Kesilyov  Best Wrap by Stek J Kagai Kinyua Best Stance Cesar Zuzunaga  Best Wheel Pack by Alloygator Mike Clifford Best SUV Jeff Blake's 2022 Kia EV6 Best Truck Michael Cowan's Blackout 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Best Booth Car Charged Up Performance Best Crew Ruined EV  Best of Show Presented by Yokohama AJ Velasco's Tesla Model 3…

JASON HALVORSEN ■ Location: Hollywood, FL ■ Year, Make, Model: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach E GT ■ Vehicle Name: Custom Mache ■ Overall Vehicle Weight: 4,900 pounds ■ Amount of Time to Build: Two months ■ Cost to Build: $14,000 ■ Occupation: Yacht Captain MOTOR & DRIVETRAIN: ■ Power: 358 kW/480 hp ■ Torque: 634 lb-ft/860 Nm ■ 0 to 60 mph: 3.5 seconds ■ 1/4 mile: 12.6 sec ■ Vehicle Weight: 4,900 pounds BATTERY SYSTEM & CHARGER: ■ Battery capacity: 91 kwh ■ Highway range: 270 miles ■ City range: 390 miles CHASSIS/SUSPENSION: ■ Installation Shop: Slammered Inc., Pompano Beach, FL ■ Air-Ride System: Hand crafted Airlift Performance Bags ■ Air-Management system: Airlift Performance 3P WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES: ■ Wheels: Electric Performance 20x8.5-40et ■ Tires: Pirelli P-Zero 255/40R20 ■ Front Brakes: Stock four-piston Brembo with matching blue calipers BODY/PAINT: ■ Paint…

UNIVERSAL BATTERY PACK OFF-THE-SHELF 55-KWH (UBP55E), sealed steel box, plugandplay ready, with integrated Orion BMS, active cooling, safety disconnect, and R100.1 compliant. Ideal for engine bay installation. CLASSIC MINI CONVERSION SYSTEMS COMPLETE, bolton, plug in, fully reversible 19-kWh conversion system (8.0 second 0 to 60, 72 kW/97 hp) PORSCHE 911 CONVERSION SYSTEMS COMPLETE, bolton, plug in, fully reversible 63kWh conversion system. (4.5 second 0 to 60 328 kW/440 hp) LAND ROVER DEFENDER CONVERSION SYSTEMS COMPLETE, bolt-on, plug in, fully reversible 55/82/110-kWh conversion system (several drivetrain options from 225 kW)328 kW/440 hp) COMPLETE “SKATEBOARD” PLATFORMS FELLTEN'S skateboard chassis is a versatile EV platform designed for classic car-inspired vehicles. It offers a low center of gravity, front and rear crush zones, a 350V, 55-kWh flat replaceable-cell battery pack, a 7kW AC and…

ANDREW DHARMAN ■ Location: London ■ Model: Tesla Model X 100D ■ Amount of Time to Build: 18 months MOTOR & DRIVETRAIN ■ Battery Pack: 100 kWh lithium-ion ■ Motors: Twin electric motors “uncorked” by Tesla CHASSIS/ SUSPENSION ■ Shocks: Stock air suspension with Evolution Airmatic lowering links WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES ■ Front and Rear Wheels: llx22-inch 6AD 2.52 multi-piece forged wheels (negative offsets) ■ Front and Rear Tires: 285/30R22 Continental SportContact ■ Front and Rear Brakes: Original brakes, painted red BODY/PAINT ■ Custom carbon-fiber wide arches (colorcoded) ■ Revozport R-Zentric carbon-fiber low-line body kit (front bumper add-ons, side skirts, rear diffuser, ducktail spoiler) ■ Dechrome with satin white 3M wrap ■ Gloss black nose dechrome ■ Partial rear debadging ■ Multi-color under-car neon kit ■ Paint Shop: +G…

RICHARD RIEGER II ■ Location: Brandon, MS ■ Year, Make, Model: 1969 Subaru 360 ■ Amount of Time to Build: Three years ■ Cost to Build: $3,000 (car, battery, parts, and paint) ■ Occupation: Registered Nurse MOTOR & DRIVETRAIN ■ Motor Swap Performed By: Richard Rieger II ■ Motor Drive Unit Year, Make, Model: GE 5BC49JB305 from a Taylor Dunn B248 Utility Truck ■ Power: 10 hp ■ Voltage: 36V DC ■ Max RPM: 2,800 ■ Max Continuous Power: 275 amps ■ Motor/Transmission Mounts: Factory ■ Control System and Software: Curtis 1204-009 from EZGO golf cart ■ 0 to 60 time: Depends on how steep the hill is … downhill, that is (max speed on flat ground is only about 30 mph) ■ Vehicle Weight: 1,800 pounds BATTERY SYSTEM & CHAGER ■ Pack Design: Six 6V Duracell GC2 ■ Cell Type:…

DAVID ANDREYEV ■ Location: Sacramento, CA ■ Model: 2018 Tesla M3 Performance ■ Vehicle Name: CyberRoadster ■ Overall Weight: Initially 4,050 pounds (currently unknown) ■ Time to Build: One year ■ Cost to Build: $50K ■ Occupation: General Contractor MOTOR & DRIVETRAIN ■ Powertrain: Original Model 3 Performance ■ Power: 358 kW/480 hp ■ Torque: 660 Nm/487 lb-ft ■ 0 to 60 time: 3.2 seconds BATTERY SYSTEM & CHARGER ■ Pack Design: Original 82 kWh (76 kWh usable) ■ Cell Type: 2170-size lithium iron phosphate ■ Charger Location: Relocated in the rear above the bumper CHASSIS/SUSPENSION ■ Lowering Kit: RSR 1.5-inch lowering spring WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES ■ Wheels: Rohana RC7 20x10 +25 with 2-inch spacers ■ Tires: Toyo Proxes S in 255/35R20 BODY/PAINT ■ Paint: Will be wrapped ■…

AS we wrap up this issue, one thing is crystal clear: The electrifying surge of enthusiasm for EV-converted classics and custom modern EVs is propelling the car world into uncharted territory—and we're loving every second of it. A quiet revolution is taking place from coast to coast and across the globe. A collective nod of approval has replaced the once-skeptical gaze that fell upon retrofitted classics. Also, the world of modern EVs is experiencing a magnetic pull toward customization. The blank canvas that electric vehicles offers has ignited a wildfire of innovation. EV tuners are emerging from their garages with bold designs and inventive modifications. From sleek aesthetics to cleverly engineered functionalities, modern EVs are becoming a playground for creative minds. And boy, are they showing off! From north to…

AS the world shifts toward cleaner and greener transportation solutions, the United States is stepping into the driver's seat of the electric vehicle revolution. In a strategic move that shakes the job market, the White House has ignited a plan to invest in clean energy jobs of the future through its ingenious Talent Pipeline Challenge. This visionary initiative not only supports businesses and educational institutions in crafting cutting-edge programs, but also forges pathways to propel workers into fulfilling careers within the burgeoning clean energy economy. This groundbreaking announcement accelerates the growth of electric vehicles and marks a momentous paradigm shift in how education institutions view careers in the skilled trades. Long characterized by a focus on traditional four-year degrees, the American education system is embracing a radical change. With mounting…

1965 Chevrolet Corvette: The 327 small-block engine is replaced with two Hyper 9s; sports a one-of-a-kind mushroombased interior. 1972 K10 truck: Converted to EV pickup with Tesla Model S Performance Large Drive unit and modules. 1965 VW Bus: The 1100 CC air-cooled engine was swapped by EV West, who also installed a custom battery pack and a solar-powered electric barbecue that slides out of the back of the bus. 1969 Mercedes Benz 280 SE: Modern diesel engine converted to run on biodiesel; new recycled plastics-based interior. 1966 Buick Riviera: 425-cubic-inch V-8 engine replaced with a modern hybrid engine; added a first-of-its-kind prototype Aclima air quality sensor. 1985 Chevrolet El Camino: Modern 4-cylinder Chevrolet turbo gas engine; solar-powered bike rack in the bed.…

The EVTEC standards cover a wide range of topics, from the fundamentals of electric vehicle technology to the latest diagnostic and repair techniques. They are designed to be comprehensive and flexible, so they can be adapted to meet the needs of different educational programs and training providers. EVTEC has developed more than 140 standards that focus on core concepts of understanding EV components and the ability to perform the skills required to build, service, and maintain them. Core learning concepts include electrical theory, highvoltage safety, general maintenance and services, wiring, communications, controls, commissioning, and, of course, working on the three major systems of an EV powertrain: the motor, the battery, and the charging systems. Skills in these standards are centered around diagnosing EV-related problems, troubleshooting electrical systems, interpreting vehicle data,…

Ruined EV had humble origins as a hashtag for the first bagged Teslas. With no ready-made kits available, enthusiasts gathered on Instagram to share ideas, troubleshoot, and support one another. This digital camaraderie evolved into a sought-after social media crew. Their journey progressed as they represented the group at car shows, culminating in a memorable gathering at SEMA 2022 that solidified their unity. SEMA marked a turning point. Randi Bentia's introduction of Neil Tjin, event manager at Electrify Expo, aligned their visions. What started as a hashtag became an industryleading partner, driving EV brand awareness. Initially exclusive to top-tier Tesla builds, Ruined EV expanded its horizons to include all modern EV builds, bikes, and conversions, reflecting the industry's shift. The VP of Ruined EV is at the helm, responsible for…

HOLD onto your hats, folks, because we're about to dive into a whole new world of battery lingo! But don't worry—we'll guide you through it all with simplicity. And once you get past the initial jargon overload, you'll realize that energy storage devices aren't actually rocket science. They are, however, fascinating once you start digging in. Safe Operating Area (SOA) Voltage and temperature monitoring allow the Battery Management System (BMS) to make informed decisions and take proper actions to ensure battery cells stay in their SOA based on the battery manufacturer's data specifications. The BMS should be programmed to keep the individual cell groups operating within the box of the SOA. Thermistors Thermistors are passive components that respond to a change in temperature by changing their resistance. They are equally…

Become a certifi ed shop thanks to Legacy EV'S certifi ed technician program: Get a cool 10% off your course by scanning here and use the code evbuildersguide! SCAN ME USA CALIFORNIA • EVwest.com • Scorpion-EV.com • UnpluggedPerformance.com • EV4unow.com • SuperCoopers.com/etec • Bisimoto.com • ZelectricMotors.com • ElectricGT.com • ZeroLabs.com WEST COAST • LegacyEV.com • HypercraftUSA.com • KindredMotorworks.com • EV-Works.com • EVpartsSolutions.com • ConductiveClassics.com • IntoTheWyld.com • ClassicCornerGarage.com • VintageSpeedsters.com CENTRAL • OhmOnTheRange.org • InspireEV.com • E-Musclecars.com • ElectroModGarage.com • Flashdrivemotors.com • MomentMotors.com • Farlandcars.com/electricconversions • LonestarEVPerformance.com NORTH EAST • ElectrifiedGarage.com • AmpReVolt.com • InductiveAuto.com • DDmotorSystems.com • SkudakRennsport.com • BisonEV.com SOUTH EAST • Electrifiedgarage.com • ECDautodesign.com • VoltageClassics.com • FastAndQuiet.com • Advanced-EV.com • E-KitCars.com Canada • CanEV.com • NorthAmericanEV.com • RiiseEV.com • EpicCarConversions.com • Ingenext.ca INTERNATIONAL UK • Fellten.com •…

EV 101 – Learn it all at SEMA Subject-matter expert Greg Snowden of Revolt Systems will join curriculum specialists Baily Soto and Tom Santilli of Legacy EV to teach attendees how to observe, describe, and predict the relationship between volts, ohms, and amperes in various electrical circuits. They will also learn how to apply principles of Watt's Law, identify tools and equipment required to maintain an electrical system safely and perform a manufacturer high-voltage disconnect procedure. Attendees will also work with real EV powertrains and tooling on Legacy EV training benches. At the end of the course, attendees will receive an EV101 certification from Legacy EV, a study guide, and an at-home assessment that will grant them seven hours of continuing education credits. EXPECT a load of incredible things on…

JIMMY UNDERHILL ■ Location: Morrison, CO ■ Year, Make, Model: 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser ■ Vehicle Name: EVSwap Land Cruiser ■ Amount of Time to Build: 1.5 years ■ Cost to Build: $25,000 parts only ■ Occupation: Owner of EVSwap Conversions MOTOR & DRIVETRAIN ■ Motor Swap Performed By: EVSwap Conversions ■ Motor Drive Unit: 2017 Nissan LEAF EM57 ■ Power: 80 kW/100 hp ■ Torque: 253 Nm/187 lb-ft ■ Voltage: 400V maximum ■ Max RPM: 11,000 rpm ■ Peak Power RPM: 3,00011,000 rpm ■ Max Continuous Power: 80 kw ■ Peak Current: 400 amps ■ Max Continuous Current: 400 amps ■ Motor/Transmission Mounts: Custom ■ Control System and Software: Resolve-EV VCU ■ 0 to 60 time: 11 seconds ■ Vehicle Weight: 5,280 pounds BATTERY SYSTEM & CHARGER ■ Pack…