Step into the future of hot rodding with Current Electric Vehicles LA electric-powered Tri-Five Lowrider! This ain’t your granddad’s Chevy—it’s a 21st-century beast, blending iconic ’50s style with cutting-edge electric tech. Forget everything you know about classic cars; this ride is all about jaw-dropping looks, earth-shattering performance, and eco-friendly cruising.

The 1957 Chevy Belair boasts an impressive 300 horsepower, but it’s what’s under the hood that sets it apart. The custom-built battery box houses 60kWh VDA modules, powering the Cascadia Motion SS-255-115 motor and CM200 inverter. And, of course, it wouldn’t be complete without Level 1 and Level 2 charging capabilities.

Powertrain System

The Electric Powered Tri-Five Lowrider is propelled by a Cascadia Motion SS-255-115 motor and CM200 inverter.

The iM-225-DX-D uses the CM200 inverter and HVH250 motor core from Cascadia Motion, to pack a 368 ft*lb punch in a compact package. This motor kit is an excellent fit for a wide variety of EV conversions.

Features include:

• 480Vdc maximum voltage (with CM200DX inverter)
• Integrated oil pump
• Integrated water pump
• Integrated oil cooler
• Auxiliary ports provided for optional external oil
• connections
• Provided transmission connection bolt patterns:
• 6-bolt ‘Cascadia pattern’
• 16-bolt ‘Remy pattern’ (e.g. 31-03 connection)
• 4-bolt Porsche G50 pattern

Motor Specifications include:

• Peak Torque – 500Nm (368ft*lb)
• Peak Power –  225kW (300hp)
• Peak Current – 730 Amps
• Max System Voltage – 480 VDC
• Maximum Speed – 12000rpm
• Length – 11.8 inches
• Height – 15.9 inches
• Weight – 64 kg (141 lbs)
• Combined Efficiency – 95% peak

Battery System

The vehicle’s power system comprises a total of 65 kWh, strategically distributed with 25 kWh of battery capacity in the front and an additional 40 kWh housed in the trunk, providing an impressive 200-mile range on a single charge.

The batteries are assembled using 26 NCM Modules, securely attached to water cooling plates to maintain optimal operating temperatures. Ensuring utmost safety and performance, the battery pack is integrated with the advanced Orion 2 Battery Management System (BMS).

To provide robust protection, the batteries are enclosed within a stainless steel impact-absorbing enclosure, adding an extra layer of durability and security to the overall design.

Vehicle: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Motor: Cascadia Motion SS-255-115 motor and CM200 inverter

Battery: Custom-built battery box using VDA modules, 60kWh

Electrifying Classic: John Garcia’s 1972 Toyota Hilux EV Conversion

John Garcia has transformed his 1972 Toyota Hilux, fondly named “Luxi,” into an electric marvel. With a weight of 2,777 pounds and a five-month conversion timeline, this classic pickup now boasts cutting-edge EV technology while retaining its vintage charm.

Power and Performance

At the heart of this electrified Hilux lies a 2017 Tesla Model S rear small drive unit, delivering an impressive 335 horsepower and 357 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a T2C motor controller and an iPad dash, Luxi can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. The battery pack, a 90ah 33kwh unit sourced from a BMW i3, is encased in its factory box, ensuring reliability and safety. To handle the higher amps, a modified contactor setup was employed, and charging duties are managed by a stock Tesla Model S 10kw charger, complemented by its DC-DC converter.

Chassis and Suspension

J5 Dynamics handled all the fabrication work, including the custom DeDion straight axle. The meticulous mounting of the motor, battery pack, DC-DC, and charger demonstrates their expertise. Braking is straightforward, with manual, non-boosted stock brakes in the front and Honda Accord discs in the rear, featuring a custom E-brake linked to the factory Hilux handle. The rear hubs are borrowed from a Model 3, and the axles are stock Model S front left axles. Rear leaf springs from a straight axle front 4X4 Toyota pickup and the stock front suspension complete the setup.

Wheels, Tires, and Aesthetics

Luxi rides on BFG 31-inch Mudders, wrapped around Bezos Speed and Machine steel wheels. The exterior maintains its classic appeal with stock Hilux patina paint, protected by Poppy’s patina matte finish coating. The roof and grille are painted black, adding a touch of modern contrast to the vintage body.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the 1990 Toyota pickup carpet kit provides a snug fit, while Home Depot MDF door cards and sun visors add a DIY touch. A carbon fiber panel blanks out the dash, and an MPI steering wheel ensures a firm grip. Kirkey aluminum seats, Bezos Speed and Machine boat cup holders, a Pioneer radio, Alpine speakers, and a Hino heater box with a smart car heater core complete the interior, blending functionality with style.

John Garcia’s 1972 Toyota Hilux is a beast that perfectly marries old-school charm with new-school tech. This ride isn’t just about preserving history; it’s about pushing the envelope and proving that even classic iron can pack a modern electric punch. Luxi is a testament to what’s possible when you mix innovation with a passion for the past—showing that the future of hot rodding is electrifying.

Mounted on a custom-built Southfield Classics Chassis, This Classic Pickup utilizes a complete Ampere EV Atom Drive System. Powered by a Cascadia Motion IM225 400v electric motor connected to a Torque Trends TorqueBox Transmission. An 84kW Battery pack provides up to 250 miles of range and 300 horsepower through the Ford 9-inch Rear End. Provided the ultra-low stance is a Full Ride Tech Air Ride System.

Powering the Future: 84kW Battery Pack

The heart of the Ampere EV Atom Drive System is its robust 84kW battery pack. This isn’t just any battery; it’s a powerhouse designed to deliver consistent, high-output performance. With a capacity that ensures long drives and impressive acceleration, this battery pack transforms the driving experience. It’s the perfect blend of power and efficiency, ensuring that you get the most out of every charge without sacrificing the thrill of the ride.

The 84 kWh 6-module battery pack is intended for SUVs, trucks, and long-range applications. This pack will double the range and power output which makes it ideal for high output builds.

Muscle and Precision: Cascadia Motion IM225 400v Electric Motor with 1.90:1 Torque Trends Torquebox

Paired with the battery pack is the Cascadia Motion IM225 400v electric motor. Known for its reliability and performance, the IM225 is a force to be reckoned with. The motor is paired to a 1.90:1 Torquebox adding an extra layer of torque multiplication, ensuring that this electric beast doesn’t just move; it roars. This combination delivers instant torque, providing a driving experience that’s both smooth and exhilarating.

Solid Foundation: Custom-built Southfield Classics Chassis

A high-performance drivetrain needs a solid foundation, and that’s where the custom-built Southfield Classics chassis comes into play. This chassis is tailored specifically to house the electric components, ensuring optimal weight distribution and handling. Built with precision and durability in mind, it’s the perfect backbone for this electric hot rod, providing the strength and rigidity needed to handle the immense power of the Atom Drive System.

Bulletproof Rear: Ford 9-inch Rear-End

When it comes to classic hot rods, the Ford 9-inch rear-end is legendary. Renowned for its strength and versatility, it’s a staple in the hot rod community. With the Ampere EV setup, the Ford 9-inch ensures that all that electric torque is effectively transferred to the wheels, giving you the traction and reliability you need to dominate the streets.

Handling Perfection: Heidts Mustang II Style Front Suspension

Handling is crucial for any high-performance vehicle, and the Heidts Mustang II style front suspension provides just that. Known for its excellent handling characteristics and adjustability, this suspension system ensures that this Classic Chevy pickup handles like a dream. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or carving through winding roads, the Heidts suspension keeps you in control.

Comfort and Control: Ride Tech Air Ride

For a truly customizable ride, the Ride Tech Air Ride system is second to none. This air suspension allows you to adjust the ride height and stiffness to match your driving style and road conditions. Whether you want a cushy, comfortable ride or a stiff, performance-oriented setup, Ride Tech’s Air Ride system has you covered.

Stopping Power: Wilwood Brakes

With great power comes the need for great stopping power. Wilwood brakes are renowned for their performance and reliability. The Ampere EV Atom Drive System is equipped with Wilwood’s top-of-the-line braking components, ensuring that you can stop on a dime, no matter how fast you’re going. These brakes provide the confidence and safety you need to push your hot rod to the limits.

The Ampere EV Atom Drive System is more than just an electric powertrain; it’s a revolution in the world of hot rodding. By combining cutting-edge electric technology with classic hot rod components, it offers the best of both worlds. Whether you’re a die-hard traditionalist or an early adopter of new technologies, the Ampere EV Atom Drive System is sure to impress. So, are you ready to take your hot rod into the future? Buckle up and hold on tight—the electric revolution is here, and it’s fast.

• Ampere EV Atom Drive System
• 84kW Battery Pack
• Cascadia Motion IM225 400v electric motor w/1.90:1 Torquebox
• Custom-built Southfield Classics Chassis
• Ford 9-inch Rear-End
• Heidts Mustang II style Front Suspension
• Ride Tech Air Ride
• Wilwood Brakes

For Land Rover enthusiasts, the Defender’s diesel rumble or V-8 growl is cherished, synonymous with unbridled exploration across serene and unforgiving landscapes. Now, imagine that legacy combined with the silent power of electric drive—a fusion of the past and future that elevates the classic Defender to new heights.

In a world where progress often comes at the cost of nostalgia, an innovative electric conversion system melds the revered Defender with cutting-edge electric technology, heralding an unexpected alliance. While some purists may bristle at the thought of transplanting an electric powertrain into the mud-slinging Defender, it presents an enticing opportunity for the iconic vehicle’s evolution.

Beneath the Hood: A Silent Revolution

The team at Fellten, meaning Lightning in Welsh, composed of brilliant minds and expert craftsmen, takes center stage in this journey. Based in Bristol, Fellten’s reputation for crafting exceptional conversion systems extends worldwide. Now, they’ve set their sights on the mighty Landy.

Fellten’s system merges a Tesla Model 3 rear drive unit with its universal battery pack, boasting an impressive 55kWh capacity. The battery pack, named the ‘UBP55E,’ is designed to fit various engine bays, including the Defender’s. Available through Legacy EV, this pack can be purchased individually or as part of a conversion systems bundle.

The Tesla drive unit replaces the entire internal combustion drivetrain, resulting in a more compact engineering system than coupling a small electric motor to the original transmission. This setup maintains the Defender’s original mass and weight balance, crucial for its handling off-road and while towing.

The electric motor’s 100% torque delivery from standstill to maximum speed eliminates the need for a transfer case, aligning with the Defender’s classic layout.

One-Pedal Driving and Effortless Power

Driving the Fellten electric Defender offers a unique yet familiar experience. The absence of traditional growls is replaced by a gentle electronic hum, introducing a novel yet recognizable drive. The regenerative braking system mirrors the engine braking of its diesel predecessor, making one-pedal driving second nature.

The Defender reaches speeds of up to 90 mph with a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds. Its electric motor’s instant 300 lb-ft of torque (upgradable to 600Nm) and 150 hp (potentially pushed to 300hp) effortlessly outperform a new supercharged V-8 Defender.

In rugged terrains, the Fellten 90 introduces modes akin to the Terrain Response system, including a specialized Crawl mode. This allows for nuanced control when climbing over rocks and obstacles.

Electric Elegance with Financial Prudence

Investing in this electric transformation requires a $62,000 commitment (fully installed and tested). While this upfront cost may seem significant, the long-term economic benefits are compelling, especially considering lower running costs—only $5.50 to charge from 0 to 100% compared to $36 for the same distance in a diesel 90.

Furthermore, the reduced mechanical components result in significantly lower maintenance costs. This financial prudence is increasingly appealing as we gravitate toward zero-emission mandates.

Embracing a New Frontier: The Electric Evolution of the Defender

The Fellten electric Defender isn’t just a transformation; it’s an odyssey bridging eras, uniting cherished heritage with forward-thinking innovation. By fusing the classic with the modern, the Defender purrs quietly into the future, becoming an icon of tomorrow while remaining ever-so-tantalizingly British.

SPECS

Conversion: Fellten (production will be performed by a network of specialists)
Time to build: Installation by approved specialists will be five daysMotor Drive: Tesla Model 3 rear drive unit
Power: Up to 220kW (300hp) – currently at 150hp
Torque: Up to 600Nm (442lb-ft) – currently at 400Nm (300lb-ft)
Motor mounts: Custom onto original Land Rover mounts
Control Software: Fellten proprietary software
Battery: Fellten 55kWh, 350-volt, IP67-certified steel and carbon fiber pack – optional 55kWh ‘seat-box’ pack.
Cooling: Integrated aluminum plates with glycol-based coolant.
Rapid charging rate (CCS2): 70kW
Range: +100 miles with 55kWh pack, +220 with 110kWh pack
Regen type: Single-mode regenerative braking system
Pricing: Complete systems retail from $62.000 fully installed by independent specialists – however the UBP55E packs are also available independently.
Warranty: 3-year
Information: www.Fellten.com