Table of contents for Tesla TRENDS in EV Builder Guide

FULL METAL ROCKET In Clifton, New Jersey, a new era in electric vehicle modification has emerged. AJ Velasco, a software solution engineer, embarked on a journey to transform his 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance into a masterpiece of automotive artistry and metal craftsmanship. Named Project 3.36, this endeavor embodies years of determination, passion, and an unwavering aspiration to push the boundaries of modified EVs. With its Porsche Mexico Blue finish, meticulously designed interior, and distinctive all-steel widebody extensions, AJ's 3.2-second 0-to-60 creation stands as a testament to the growing potential within the realm of modified Teslas. AJ's path to EV innovation began with this Tesla Model 3 Performance. Considering traditional performance cars like the BMW M3 and Audi RS3, he was intrigued by Tesla's affordability. A transformative test drive solidified…

CASPER “CASPER'S TRANSFORMATION IS NOTHING SHORT OF SPECTACULAR, AND THIS IS ACTUALLY JUST THE LATEST VERSION OF THIS EVER-EVOLVING ELECTRIC WONDER. CJ CARDINALLI IS A tech-driven California native, so it makes perfect sense that he would own something driven by the latest tech, which also happened to be born in California. Already a car guy with a modded E36 BMW M3, CJ was one of the first to buy a Model 3 in 2018, and he knew that the road to modifying one was uncharted. But, that didn't scare him one bit. In fact, being a pioneer was kind of the point! As CJ told us, “I wanted something brand new that no one had modified. The vision was to build a full-blown show car. I learned that it's just…

IN EARLY 2019, A GROUP of Southern California Tesla enthusiasts set out to revolutionize the aftermarket scene for their beloved electric vehicles. The electric journey began when they connected on Instagram. The original group included CJ Cardinalli, the founder of what would become the nationally renowned Ruined Tesla car club. “All the lowering springs were out, but it just wasn't enough,” Cardinalli recounts. “We wanted to bag them.” The Tesla customizers wanted airbags, also known as air suspension. Like a lowrider, a Tesla could lay low on the pavement with a click of a switch or a phone app. In the pre-COVID-19 days, nobody was making direct bolt-on air suspension kits for the Teslas yet. So, air suspension companies retrofitted existing parts from other vehicles onto the Tesla Model 3s.…

SEXY AT THE JULY 2024 Groupe Car Show in Fallbrook, California (just north of San Diego), a colorful array of classic lowriders and mini-trucks lined the car show strip. Among the hundreds of meticulously hand-crafted vehicles, one car stood out, not just for its unique design but for what it represented—a bridge between tradition and modernity. Luis Gomez and Delmy Romero's 2022 Tesla Model X was the only Tesla on display, a striking testament to the couple's dedication to merging the electric vehicle future with the old-school lowrider culture. Hailing from San Jacinto, a city east of Los Angeles, Gomez and Romero aren't strangers to the road. They travel across California, Las Vegas, and Arizona, proudly showcasing their one-of-a-kind Tesla at various car shows. “She bought it brand new, drove…

FLOW-FORMED ALUMINUM WHEELS CUSTUNING FLOW-FORMED ALUMINUM wheels are engineered for superior strength and reduced weight, offering a 25% lighter design and a 20%-30% increase in durability compared to traditional cast wheels. These wheels are available in various sizes from 18 to 22 inches, compatible with OE TPMS, and offer multiple offset options to fit popular 5-stud patterns. Custuning www.custuning.com ELECTRIC/HYBRID ALL-SEASON TIRE ERANGE EV TIRES are engineered to maximize your electric vehicle's performance and extend its range on a single charge, using Sailun Ecopoint3 technology to reduce road noise and rolling resistance. Available in over 37 sizes from 15 to 22 inches, these tires provide broad coverage for the electric vehicle market. Sailun Tires 800-238-6469 www.gosailun.com COLOR SHIFTING HEADLIGHTS THE ORACLE LIGHTING Dynamic ColorSHIFT Headlight and Fog Light DRL Upgrade…

TECH SLAMMING THE FUTURE WHEN IT COMES TO pushing the boundaries of what a Tesla can do, Chris Salvo from The Electrified Garage is no stranger. His latest project? Dropping a 2020 Tesla Model 3 with an Air Lift Performance air suspension kit, taking it to the next level both in looks and performance. This isn't just about getting low; it's about doing it right and keeping the Tesla's sleek, futuristic vibe intact. Air Lift Performance engineered this kit to give you that show-stopping stance without sacrificing the legendary ride quality Tesla is known for. With a drop of up to 4.5 inches (112 mm) up front and 5.7 inches (145 mm) in the rear, this system lets you cruise at the perfect height for any situation— whether you're rolling low…

CAN A DIFFERENT brand of tire make an EV ride more smoothly, perform better, and reduce noise? Seems too good to be true, right? That's exactly what we thought, so we put a set to the test on our 2015 Tesla Model 3. The tires of choice for this test are the new ERANGE EV tires from Sailun Tires. After ordering a set of these unique tires to replace our original Michelin tires, we took a ride and performed a couple of shade tree mechanic-style tests with a downloadable DB meter app. We also used our personal internal vibration sensors that never fail on tests like these. This gave us a chance, too, to break out our new Wiha Tools EV-specific toolset, which will protect us from up to 1,000…

NO MATTER WHAT TYPE OF Tesla you drive, there are plenty of aftermarket and off icial OEM-designed products that can strengthen your love aff air with your EV brand of choice. Whether you sit behind the wheel of a Model 3 or S sedan, Model Y or X SUV, or even a Cybertruck, we have found premium add-on parts and accessories to make these great electric vehicles even better. Looking for a fresh set of wheels to set your Tesla apart from the rest? No problem! How about high-quality components to lower or even lift its suspension? Those parts are here too. If restyling your ride is of utmost importance, there are products in this guide to help with that as well. Aside from various methods of customization, we have…

TESLA MODEL 3 LAUNCHED IN 2017, the Tesla Model 3 quickly became a popular choice among electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts and newcomers alike, thanks to its sleek design, impressive performance, and approachable price point. By 2021, the Tesla Model 3 was the first EV in the world to surpass one million cumulative sales. Now, used Model 3s in good condition can frequently be found for under $25,000 and are eligible for EV tax credits of up to $4,000, making it a great option for those looking to get in on the EV action. Additionally, due to the large number of Model 3s on the road and their proven technology, Tesla Model 3 motors and batteries are increasingly common in aftermarket applications such as EV swaps. Their reliable performance and availability…

DARK HELMET NO CUSTOM TESLA magazine would be complete without mentioning Dark Helmet, the Unplugged Performance Tesla Model S Plaid that has been reshaping the racing world and pushing the boundaries of EV performance. Whether you're a seasoned Tesla modifier or just getting started, Dark Helmet is a vehicle you'll want to keep an eye on. The journey began at the 2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, where Randy Pobst piloted Dark Helmet to an astounding sub-10-minute run, finishing with a time of 9:54.901, and earning the title of the fastest modified EV at Pikes Peak. Competing against purpose-built race cars, this nearly 5,000-pound luxury sedan managed to secure a spot among the top ten overall finishers—an incredible feat for a production-based electric vehicle. “WHETHER YOU'RE A SEASONED TESLA MODIFIER…

VIP VIBES WHEN AMERICUS CUEVAS first got his 2018 Tesla Model 3, it was just a daily driver—a commuter car meant to blend in. But as more Model 3s hit the road, Meric's competitive edge kicked in. “I got bored,” he admits. “FIVE YEARS LATER, MERIC'S TESLA, KNOWN AS “TOKKI,” HAS TRANSFORMED INTO A FULL-BLOWN VIP-INSPIRED RIDE THAT'S TURNING HEADS AND RESHAPING THE NARRATIVE OF WHAT AN EV CAN BE. “WHETHER CRUISING THE STREETS OR COMPETING AT SHOWS, TOKKI ISN'T JUST A CAR. IT'S AN EXPRESSION OF STYLE. That's when the mods began, starting with wheels, lowering springs, and a front lip. Five years later, Meric's Tesla, known as “Tokki,” has transformed into a full-blown VIP-inspired ride that's turning heads and reshaping the narrative of what an EV can be.…

AS A TEAM THAT HAS attended Electrify Expo multiple times, we can confidently say that this event is an absolute must for any electric vehicle enthusiast. Electrify Expo is the largest EV festival in North America. It's a showcase of the latest electric cars and tech as well as a traveling celebration of the growing movement toward sustainable transportation and innovation. Taking place in various cities across the country, Electrify Expo is the place to be if you're passionate about EVs or just curious about the future. This event brings together a vibrant community of EV enthusiasts, industry leaders, and newcomers eager to explore the electric revolution. Whether you're interested in test-driving the newest electric cars, checking out the latest e-bikes, or learning about cutting-edge technology, Electrify Expo offers a…

INVINCIBLE “UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE IS NOT HERE TO PLAY IT SAFE. IT'S HERE TO TAKE YOUR CYBERTRUCK FROM “COOL” TO “LEGENDARY.” SO, YOU'VE GOT A Tesla Cybertruck or are just dreaming about one, and you're thinking, “How can I make this beast even more beastly?” Enter Unplugged Performance—the wizards behind some of the coolest Tesla mods out there. If a Tesla is your favorite toy, Unplugged Performance is basically the Santa of custom mods, and the crew's latest project, the Invincible Cybertruck, is nothing short of a Christmas miracle for EV enthusiasts. Now, I know what you're thinking. “The Cybertruck is already pretty intense; what more can you add?” Well, Unplugged Performance is not here to play it safe. It's here to take your Cybertruck from “cool” to “legendary.” First up,…

THE BLUE DRAGON Ehtesham Sajid's journey into Tesla ownership began in January 2021, at a time when spotting a Model 3 on the street was still a novelty. But as these electric rides became more common, particularly in their stock white finish, Sajid knew he wanted something that would stand out because nobody dreams of driving the automotive equivalent of plain yogurt. His 2021 Tesla Model 3 has now become a vibrant showcase of creativity and electric power. The project began modestly enough with lowering springs and new wheels—simple upgrades to give the car a unique stance. But for Sajid, “unique” was never going to be a one-and-done deal. Dissatisfied with the initial ride height, he planned to install coilovers, but the idea of constantly adjusting them for seasonal changes…

KEEPING EVS OUT OF THE SCRAPYARD AS ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EVs) become increasingly popular, the question of whether the infrastructure can keep up with this surge is top of mind for many. While much of the conversation focuses on the electrical grid's ability to power these vehicles, an equally important concern is overlooked: the shortage of skilled technicians to service and maintain electrical vehicles. As EVs account for a growing share of vehicles on the road, who will repair and service them? With the automotive industry shifting away from internal combustion engines (ICE) toward cleaner, more sustainable electric powertrains, the need for skilled EV technicians has never been more urgent. Unfortunately, there is a significant shortage of trained technicians, posing a serious challenge to the industry's momentum. Legacy EV, a leader…

KARMA: REDEFINING EV MODS LAS VEGAS IS KNOWN for its glitz and glamour, but hidden among the neon lights and bustling streets is a ground-breaking masterpiece turning heads in the local car scene and EV modification world. Meet “Karma,” a 2020 Tesla Model Y brought to life by the visionary builder Brett Hunsaker. Brett has always been drawn to pushing the limits of automotive customization. So, with a background in mini-trucks and lifted rigs, he set out to infuse that unique style into an electric vehicle. And from the moment he laid eyes on a Tesla Model Y, he knew it would be the perfect canvas for his project. As the saying goes, Rome wasn't built in a day, and the same can be said about Brett's remarkable build. The…