Table of contents for Spring 2025 in EV Builder Guide

AS 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible builds and groundbreaking projects that have filled the pages of EV Builder's Guide. This issue is a special one—it marks our 11th edition and fourth year in publication! Surpassing 1,300 pages of content feels almost surreal when I think about where we began. This year, we've seen the EV landscape evolve. The fervor of 2022 and 2023 has settled into alignment with real-world expectations, but the creative and performance potential of EVs remains undeniable. As we look toward 2025, I'm optimistic. Electric motors aren't just an alternative; they're an exciting companion to the V-8s, superchargers, and turbo diesels that have fueled our passion for decades. This issue showcases how EVs harmonize with tradition. For example, Michael Connelly's 1974…

KALMAR Automotive has redefined what it means to be a modern coachbuilder. Operating out of Denmark and Estonia, Kalmar Automotive's latest project, the 7-97 E-Volt, is a masterful vitalization of the Porsche 911 (964 generation), powered by cutting-edge electric technology. Having previously worked for Porsche on iconic models such as the 918 Hypercar and the 991-911, Jan Kalmar brings unparalleled expertise to his company. A proud Dane, Jan strategically based Kalmar's operations in Estonia, where their factory and workshop are situated within a FIA-grade race circuit—ideal for rigorous testing and fine-tuning. Jan's foray into EV conversions began unexpectedly. A customer's request for an electrified Porsche initially caught the team unprepared. “We didn't offer EVs at the time, only ultra-high-spec Flat-Six versions,” Jan admits. “But at Kalmar, we're not ones to shy…

IN Scottsdale, Arizona, Dennis and Beth Kilpatrick's 1947 Ford COE is an impressive exercise in “what-if” and “why-not.” Dubbed the COEV, this build blends cuttingedge electric power with a distinctive rat-rod aesthetic, culminating in a unique vehicle that's as functional as it is eccentric. The transformation of this vintage cab-over-engine truck was no small feat. With over 1,000 hours of meticulous craftsmanship, Mark Scalpone and the team at Vintage Iron and Restoration brought their client's vision to life, infusing personal and thematic touches into every corner of the build. Designed for Dennis, an eye surgeon, the truck includes surgical cues such as visible “stitches” where the cab was chopped and surgical tools placed in the switch gear of the transformer mounted to the bed. ”It's not just a truck; it's…

AS an automotive journalist for over 25 years, I've encountered many remarkable vehicles, but few have left me as awestruck as the Chevrolet S10 Electric, powered by GM's legendary late 1990's EV1 drivetrain. Deep in the heart of Georgia, this historic and ultra-rare truck has been given a second life by Jared Pink, the mastermind behind The Questionable Garage YouTube channel. With fewer than 40 of these vehicles still in existence, the S10 Electric represents a defining chapter in the evolution of electric vehicles—a chapter that Jared is determined to preserve and share. ”His passion for preserving this unique piece of history resonated with the automotive community. The Rare Official GM S10 Electric Arriving at Jared's shop in Cleveland, Georgia, the sight of the pristine white S10 Electric was both…

JUST east of Tulsa, Oklahoma, lies Broken Arrow, home to Unique Customs, a shop proudly billed as “America's most UNIQUE restoration shop.” Its motto, “Your Dream. Our Passion. Done RIGHT!” reflects the team's commitment to excellence. With roots in the restoration business dating back to the 1980s, they have developed a distinctive process that goes beyond expectations, earning them a stellar reputation and a two-to-three-year waiting list of approximately 200 cars. Decades of expertise in paint and restoration caught the attention of the Velocity TV Network (now part of Motor Trend magazine). In 2014, Unique Customs was offered a show called Brand New Muscle Car. The concept, envisioned years earlier by David Miller, went beyond traditional restorations. The show highlighted the ability to rebuild classic vehicles entirely with new parts, offering…

BRADENTON, Florida, may not be the most obvious place to stumble upon a tribute to cinematic history, but nestled in a custom shop south of Tampa, this modern legend came to life: meet the TMC-12X (a wordplay on Tesla Model X and DeLorean Motor Company DMC-12). Built by Robert “Bob” Selby, owner of The Shop, this one-of-a-kind EV melds modern technology with Hollywood nostalgia in a way that has to be seen—and heard—to be believed. From the DMC to the TMC Bob's shift from skepticism to passion for EVs began with a single test drive. “I thought Teslas were just appliances,” he admits, “but when I drove the Plaid, it was like stepping into the future.” This pivotal moment inspired Bob to apply his talent for cinematic tributes to an EV…

YOU will rejoice to hear that no disaster has become of this undertaking of transforming what was once a shell into now an unimaginable amount of captured Musk-engineered power. I arrived here by word of a build, the first of its kind, and my first task is to assure my dear readers of my welfare and increasing confidence in the success of Mr. Don Swadley's creation. While the creation is in fact a work of modern-day sorcery, I assure you the only damage that has been done is of the amount of pure glee that was experienced. I am already far east of San Diego, and as I ride through the streets of El Cajon, California, I feel a chilly breeze rushing through the open cabin of this Frankenstein looking beast,…

THE 1966 Ford Mustang stands as an enduring symbol of American automotive freedom and style. For John Wilson, it also became a canvas for an electrification project that superbly managed to merge sustainability with an uncompromising respect for authenticity. Unlike many EV conversions that prioritize modern technology and performance upgrades, John's vision was clear: preserve the Mustang's original look and feel, inside and out, while discreetly transforming it into a reliable, eco-friendly classic. John's EV adventure is not just burgeoning—it's built on decades of innovation. As the owner of Presidential Mobility Inc., a business serving Arkansas' disabled community for over 40 years, John's unique expertise in adapting vehicles to improve lives made this project a natural evolution. His mission wasn't just about electrifying a car but understanding and leading the…

IN 2000, when the dot-com bubble burst, a wave of companies were relegated to the catacombs of failed internet ventures. The collapse of hundreds of major internet companies left the public deeply divided about the future of the internet as a viable technology. Looking back 20-plus years later, this sentiment seems laughable. Today, we're surrounded by success stories—survivors, if you will—of companies that played the long game. These include titans like Amazon, Google, eBay, PayPal, Apple, Cisco Systems, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. Together, these eight companies boast a combined market cap exceeding $15 trillion (as of December 2024). Fast forward to today, and it doesn't take much scrolling through the newsfeed to encounter articles echoing the same skepticism that followed the dot-com bust of the early 2000s—but this time, it's about…

ON a sunny, 75-degree December day in Southern California, I had the privilege of sitting down with the renowned writer Michael Connelly. We met at the garage of Current Electric Vehicles to talk about the shop's latest project—a fully electrified Triumph TR6, completed just a week prior. Connelly, a former Los Angeles Times crime reporter and Pulitzer Prize nominee, is one of the bestselling crime writers of all time, with 39 novels and over 85 million copies sold worldwide. His work has inspired TV adaptations like The Lincoln Lawyer, Bosch, and an upcoming 2025 spin-off featuring his character Renee Hallard, played by Maggie Q. While some might assume Connelly would lean toward converting a classic Lincoln given The Lincoln Lawyer, he chose a British two-door roadster from the 1970s. Why the…

IN the world of automotive legends, few names carry the gravitas of the Ferrari Testarossa. Its bold styling, 180-degree V-12 engine, and storied history etched it into the annals of automotive greatness. Yet, one of the most iconic cars of the 1980s and 1990s has been reborn—not by Ferrari, but by a trailblazing team of conversion experts at Electric Classic Cars. Based in Wales, UK. ECC has turned a beloved grand tourer into a modern electric beast, balancing respect for the original design with the advantages of electrification. In fact, this isn't Electric Classic Cars' first (Ferrari) rodeo, as it has previously converted two Ferrari 308s and three Testarossas—with more in the works—including in complete kit form. At the core of the “Teslarossa” is a Tesla Model S drive unit,…

WHEN CJ Cardinalli first laid eyes on his Tesla Model 3 in 2018, he was immediately drawn to its minimalist design, advanced electric powertrain, and the untapped potential it represented. These features were an open invitation to reimagine what an EV could become. A seasoned car enthusiast and builder with a history of creating custom BMWs, CJ saw Tesla's sleek electric sedan as the ultimate blank canvas to redefine what was possible in the, then, burgeoning world of EV customization. Today, that vision has come to life in “Casper,” CJ's extensively modified Tesla Model 3. With four major iterations since its debut, Casper's current form combines performance upgrades, jaw-dropping styling mods, and an interior that feels like stepping into a starship! The Visionary Behind Casper CJ Cardinalli is no ordinary car…

SEMA, held every year in Las Vegas, is the ultimate showcase for the latest trends and innovations in the automotive aftermarket world. The 2024 show highlighted just how exciting the future of customization and electrification is becoming. Here are eight standout innovations that stole the spotlight at this year's event. Formosa EV VCU Formosa EV turned heads at SEMA 2024 with its cutting-edge Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), earning the prestigious “Best New EV Product” award for its versatility and performance in EV customization. Designed to simplify complex EV builds, the Formosa EV VCU integrates seamlessly with a wide range of components, making it a go-to solution for restomods and unique conversions like electric dune buggies. Developed in partnership with Motivo Engineering, this award-winning VCU offers advanced customization options, ensuring precise…

THE increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is reshaping the automotive industry, presenting new challenges and opportunities for repair shops. EVs operate at high voltages, contain advanced electrical components, and require specialized handling. Preparing your shop or school for EV work demands an investment in the right tools, safety equipment, and training. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover the essential equipment and training resources, including offerings from Legacy EV, to help your shop thrive in the electrified automotive landscape. Understanding the Unique Challenges of EV Work Electric vehicles differ significantly from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Their high-voltage systems, which can exceed 800 volts, pose unique safety risks and demand specialized knowledge. EV batteries are heavy, sensitive to temperature, and potentially hazardous if mishandled. Effective preparation includes adopting a rigorous…