Table of contents for Winter 2024 in EV Builder Guide

SILENT STAR IN the world of classic cars, few vehicles are as iconic as the 1966 Mercedes-Benz “Pagoda” 230 SL. With its elegant lines, distinctive roof, and luxurious interior, this car epitomizes mid-century automotive design. However, as much as we love these vintage beauties, their aging internal combustion engines often leave much to be desired regarding reliability and environmental impact. That's where Moment Motor Company steps in. The Beginning of a New Chapter The story of this particular Pagoda SL began with a passionate owner who had always dreamed of bringing his beloved Mercedes back to life—but with a modern twist. Although visually striking, the car was far from roadworthy when it arrived at Moment's Austin, Texas workshop. The engine was tired, the drivetrain outdated, and the car was a far…

THE NEXT CHAPTER OF TUNING HP Tuners, known for its advanced software solutions and tuning tools, selected Legacy EV for its unrivaled knowledge in high-voltage electric conversions. IN a groundbreaking partnership, Legacy EV and HP Tuners have teamed up to electrify a 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera, turning it into an 800-volt powerhouse. This ambitious project not only pushes the boundaries of electric vehicle (EV) conversions but also serves as a real-world testbed for HP Tuners’ newly developed Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) the CORE EV designed to optimize aftermarket EV systems. A Powerful Partnership The collaboration between Legacy EV and HP Tuners is a perfect marriage of expertise in electric systems and cutting-edge tuning technology. HP Tuners, known for its advanced software solutions and tuning tools, selected Legacy EV for its unrivaled…

TIMELESS ELEGANCE, MODERN POWER ”The clean lines of the Electrogenic motor and battery pack fit seamlessly into the E-Type, preserving its iconic look. WITH “E” already in its name, the Jaguar E-Type seems like a natural candidate for an electric vehicle (EV) conversion. This iconic roadster, produced by Jaguar Cars from 1961 to 1974, has long been revered by car enthusiasts and celebrities alike. Now, as the demand for eco-friendly alternatives grows, classic car aficionados are finding new ways to modernize their beloved vehicles without compromising the soul of the original design. Preserving History, Embracing the Future A common concern among classic car lovers is that converting a vintage vehicle to electric power “ruins” or even “desecrates” the original. But, as those who have completed EV conversions know, the truth often…

TECH BUILDING ELECTRICALLY SAFE VEHICLES AS electric vehicles (EVs) continue to revolutionize the automotive world, a passionate group of enthusiasts is driving another revolution: converting gas-powered vehicles to electric. Whether you're working on a classic car conversion or building a custom EV from the ground up, safety should be your top priority. High-voltage (HV) systems bring unique risks that must be managed with care. In this article, we'll explore the essential safety components and protocols to ensure your EV project is both powerful and safe. High-Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL) When you're dealing with high-voltage systems, the High-Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL) is your first line of defense. Think of the HVIL as an alarm system for your EV's electrical components. It's a continuous loop that runs through all HV connectors and components. If…

A Milli, A Milli, A Milli ”Every month brings a new development, and for those of us who thrive in this fast-paced, dynamic environment, it's an exhilarating time. IN 2023, US car buyers bought more than 1 million EVs for the first time in history. This is a massive milestone for the growth of the industry. It was not that long ago when there were less than 1 million EVs on the road in total across the US. 1 million EVS sold marks a 50.7% increase in sales year-over-year, signaling continued strong growth across the industry. But let's not get ahead of ourselves; there are nearly 300 million vehicles on the road in the U.S., so while this milestone is massive, it's just the start of what's required to make…

WHETHER you're upgrading your ride or tackling an EV conversion project, we've got the newest, most innovative parts to power your build this winter. 1 Fellten Twin iNetic Motor Drivetrain The Fellten Twin iNetic Motor Drivetrain is a cutting-edge solution for high-performance electric vehicle conversions. Initially designed for Land Rover Defenders, it's now expanding to other 4x4s and trucks, offering versatility across platforms. Engineered to meet strict European standards, this system delivers exceptional performance. Equipped with dual 400-volt British-made iNetic motors, the drivetrain produces up to 350 horsepower (260 kW) and 531 ft-lbs (720 Nm) of torque. It includes a custom Fellten transmission with selectable 4x4, rear-wheel, or front-wheel drive modes. seen in modern OEM vehicles, further enhances performance. The motors and optional FL10 UBP55E 55 kWh battery fit seamlessly into…

THE electrification of classic cars continues to evolve from niche hobby to a full blown industry, and at the heart of this movement is the State of Charge (SOC) conference, produced by Ohm on the Range. Founded by Terry Breheny, Ohm on the Range and SOC has matured over its three-year span, becoming a key platform for electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts, builders, and professionals to gather, share insights, and learn from one another. Held in conjunction with the Electrify Expo, SOC24 brought together industry leaders, enthusiasts, and groundbreaking projects for a two-day event in Denver, Colorado that showcased the present and future of EV conversions. A Brief History of State of Charge SOC started as a modest event, primarily aimed at enthusiasts with a passion for converting classic cars into EVs.…

SALT, SPEED, AND SCIENCE IF El Mirage evokes the dusty charm of the old West, then Bonneville feels more like Mad Max meets the dragstrip. This isn't just any dragstrip, though—it's something far more iconic. As you drive onto the salt flats, there's a feeling like stepping onto hallowed ground, a sensation akin to walking into the Roman Colosseum where gladiators once battled. For decades, legendary racers have left their mark here, and names like Burt Munro echo in the minds of those who respect speed. Even the vehicles are legendary, with names like the “Speed Demon,” the “Buckeye Bullet,” and the “Turbinator” capturing the imagination. Familiar Faces, New Records Once again, many familiar faces gather for the annual Speed Week, organized by the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) and Bonneville…

A TEENAGE ENGINEER'S ELECTRIFYING JOURNEY WHEN most high schoolers are busy with homework, sports, or social media, 16-year- old Frances Farnam is in the garage, transforming a classic 1976 Porsche 914 into an electric vehicle (EV). Her journey, chronicled on her YouTube channel and Instagram under the name @Tinkeringeering, is more than just a restoration project—it's a mission to inspire the next generation to create change in a world designed for adults. Growing up in a family that valued hands-on creativity, Frances’ love for tinkering began at a young age. “It started off as a crafting YouTube channel,” she explains. “My brothers and I would make videos with my dad filming behind the camera. We just enjoyed putting things together and taking them apart.” The transition from small projects to converting…

GOLDEN ELEGANCE - FROM DIESEL TO ELECTRIC! CONVERSIONS of diesel vehicles to electric are quite rare, especially in the U.S., but David Rosenstraus’ 1980 Mercedes 300CD is a spectacular way to make an entrance into the retrofit game. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, his 300CD has become a stunning example of what's possible when old-world luxury (and bling) meets cutting-edge EV performance. With a Tesla Model S LDU in the back, a sleek AMG replica body kit, and plans for a brand-new battery upgrade, David has built something we'd all desire—despite never thinking we'd ever want a golden Mercedes! A Project Born of Passion David is no stranger to car enthusiasts, and his Tesla-powered 300CD has already turned heads across the EV and classic car communities over the past three…

SHAPING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE ”Nice Car aims to tackle two monumental challenges—climate urgency and the wastefulness of a throwaway culture. IN a world desperately in need of sustainable practices, Nice (No Internal Combustion Engine) Car is driving innovation in electric vehicles (EV) and environmental spaces. Founded by Lauryn Morris, Nice Car aims to tackle two monumental challenges— climate urgency and the wastefulness of a throwaway culture. By focusing on converting older internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric, Nice hopes to breathe new life into classic cars while contributing to a more circular, sustainable economy. At the heart of Nice's mission is the belief that the cars we already love can—and should—be saved from obsolescence. Instead of replacing them with shiny new models, Nice envisions a future where iconic vehicles are…

TURNING WRECKS INTO WONDERS IN a state where EVs are becoming the norm, one garage stands out for pushing the boundaries of what a Tesla can be. TSK Los Angeles, now based in Cypress, California, has its roots in Ukraine, where it began as the largest independent Tesla service center in Eastern Europe. Led by Bogdan Golovatiuk, TSK is redefining Tesla customization with wild projects like the “Cyber 3”— a Tesla Model 3 Performance that might just be the sexiest and most aggressive Model 3 in the world. From Wreck to Wonder The story of the Cyber 3 is as much about perseverance and passion as it is about engineering and design. This 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance didn't start life as a supercar—it was a $10,000 wreck that many would…

THE ELECTRIC JEEP BUILT TO TAKE ON BAJA 1000 IN rugged Denver, Colorado, where off-road enthusiasts live for the thrill of dust and dirt, Robert Schmidt, an electrical engineer is turning a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee into an all-electric trophy truck. His audacious dream is built for the Baja 1000, one of the most punishing off-road races in the world. The goal? To prove that electric vehicles aren't just for city streets; they can dominate the off-road scene too. The seeds of this project were planted years ago at Red Rocks Community College, where Robert first dipped his toes into the world of off-roading. His first project, affectionately known as the Big Red Jeep Project, was a rock-crawling beast that quickly became the talk of the campus, and the off-road industry.…

ROARING ‘20S TO SILENT STREETS IN the quiet, rolling hills of southwest England, a small workshop called Silent Classics is quietly reinventing the world of classic car restoration. Led by Jack Kerridge, this dedicated team has taken on the challenge of transforming some of the most iconic vehicles from the past century into silent, electrified masterpieces. Their most recent build? A 1923 Daimler D16 Landaulet—a car that roared through the Roaring Twenties, now reborn as a whisper-quiet electric beauty. A Vintage Love Affair The 1923 Daimler D16 Landaulet is no ordinary classic; it comes with a storied past that adds to its charm. Originally purchased by the Duke of Hamilton from the prestigious London dealers Stratton Instone of Pall Mall, the car was intended for Miss Louise Lind-af-Hageby, the Duchess of…