Inhoudsopgave van Summer 2025 - EV Builder Guide

THERE’S a common refrain these days: no one knows how to fix anything anymore. Whether it’s a household repair, a mechanical issue, or an electrical problem, handson knowledge—once second nature—is becoming a rarity. So how do we inspire the next generation to get their hands dirty and to solve problems? For many of us, it started in childhood. Legos, Hot Wheels, Snap Circuits, Big Wheels—simple toys that sparked a lifelong passion for building and fixing. If you look at the builders featured in EV Builders Guide, I’d bet most can trace their roots back to early moments spent taking things apart (and occasionally putting them back together). Even as our world grows more digital, we still live in a physical space. Engineering, fabrication, and problem-solving exist at the crossroads of creativity…

When Jaguar unveiled the XK120 in 1948, it wasn’t just a car—it was a statement of wealth, taste and success. The long, flowing fenders, the sculpted grille, the impossibly low stance—it was automotive art in motion. And it wasn’t simply about looks. With a top speed of 120 mph, it was the fastest production car in the world at the time. Hollywood stars, racing legends, and aristocrats all clamored to own one. But as beautiful and groundbreaking as it was, time has caught up with the XK120. Classic car lovers have long been torn between preserving these machines in their original form, complete with outdated mechanicals and constant maintenance, or updating them for modern roads. Enter Lunaz, the British company redefining automotive restoration by perfectly combining timeless aesthetics with cutting-edge electric performance.…

SOME EV conversions stand out not because of their size, but because of their ingenuity. That’s exactly the case with this 1997 Subaru Sambar Super Deluxe Kei truck, now fully converted to electric by Legacy EV in collaboration with the Big Time YouTube channel. But this build wasn’t just about modernizing a quirky Japanese microtruck. It was a proof of concept for sustainable EV conversions—using repurposed components from a retired training bench to create a functional, emissions-free vehicle at a fraction of the usual cost. Now complete, the electrified Sambar is on the road, and it’s turning heads for all the right reasons. Why the Subaru Sambar? A Kei Truck with Big Potential Kei trucks like the Subaru Sambar have been a staple in Japan for decades—built to navigate tight city…

THE world of electric vehicles is still finding its identity. While many see them as soulless appliances designed for efficiency and range, others— like YouTube’s Kyle Wade, better known as BoostedBoiz—view them as untapped potential, waiting to be unleashed. Kyle, a self-taught gearhead and master of DIY innovation, is responsible for some of the most ridiculous, high-performance EV builds on the planet. His Plaidessey projects have redefined the boundaries of EV customization, proving that modern electric drivetrains can power anything—from a minivan sleeper to an allwheel-drive Dodge Challenger - with hypercar performance. These builds not only broke the internet; they shattered expectations in and outside the EV world. This is the story of how BoostedBoiz went from building turbocharged Hondas to dominating the EV world with mad creations. From Turbo Hondas…

IT began life not with a roar, but with a whirr. An icon reborn as an illusion—a showstopper designed not to dominate the quarter-mile but to look good doing fake wheelies in front of a live audience. This 1970 Dodge Charger—originally supplied by Dennis McCarthy to Hollywood studios as Dominic Toretto’s iconic muscle car—took the spotlight in Fast & Furious Live, performing nightly throughout 2018, a touring stage spectacle that combined Hollywood drama with practical car stunts, smoke machines, and just enough tech magic to convince a stadium full of fans that they were watching, Live, something fast and maybe, just maybe, a little bit furious. Except it wasn’t. Under the skin, the show car was a fully electric build, fitted by none other than Electric Classic Cars, the renowned Welsh…

EV conversions are nothing new—we’re on our 11th issue here at EV Builders Guide, and the movement has been gaining traction for years. But what is new is the ever-expanding audience drawn to electrification. Two high-profile builds highlight just how far that reach extends: retired NFL star Jason Kelce and gaming mogul Ludwig Ahgren are both electrifying their trucks, and their projects couldn’t be more different. Ludwig’s 1997 Subaru Sambar is the quintessential Japanese kei truck—small, efficient, and built for the working class of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Kelce’s 1986 Chevy K10, on the other hand, is an American powerhouse from the same era—big, rugged, and built for heavy-duty work. Two vastly different vehicles, both serving the same purpose: a work truck for the working man. And beyond the…

THIS PARTS GUIDE highlights cutting-edge components built to elevate your custom EV projects. From the Dynam Labs VCU+ for advanced drivetrain control to EDub Conversions’ plug-and-play VW T2 kit, these solutions simplify integration and boost performance for both classic conversions and one-off builds. You’ll also find range-boosting HALODISC 2 wheel covers, the high-power HyPer-Drive X1 controller, Fellten’s versatile 55kWh battery pack, and the smart, compact Wallbox Pulsar Plus home charger. Whether you’re a DIYer or a pro, these parts bring modern capability to your electric builds. 1 Dynam Labs VCU+: Advanced Vehicle Control for Custom EV Builds The Dynam Labs VCU+ is a high-performance vehicle control unit (VCU) designed to simplify EV conversions and custom electric builds. It seamlessly integrates with battery management systems (BMS), inverters, chargers, and other key components,…

THE Tesla Model S Plaid isn’t exactly a car that flies under the radar. With over 1,000 horsepower and a 0-60 time that embarrasses hypercars, it’s already an electrified monster. But for Anthony Pham, “fast” wasn’t enough. He wanted something truly unique— something that wouldn’t just turn heads but break necks. Enter his one-of-one widebody Tesla Model S Plaid, a forged carbon fiber-clad beast built in collaboration with some of the best in the business to create a full-fledged supercar killer with the stance to prove it. “While most owners would be content with letting the Plaid’s mind-boggling acceleration do the talking, he had bigger plans. A Vision Turned Reality Orange County, CA-based Anthony picked up his Model S Plaid in December 2023, and while most owners would be content with…

FROM a childhood fascination with speed to redefining what’s possible in high-performance engineering, Bisi Ezerioha has never been one to follow convention. Bisi built his reputation crafting some of the most formidable internal combustion builds in the industry before taking a bold leap into electrification. His first EV project, a 1984 Porsche 935 K3V, wasn’t just an experiment—it was a revelation, turning a skeptic into one of the most respected voices in performance EVs today. Have you ever started a conversation with someone and, within seconds, realized, “Whoa, this person knows their stuff”? Whatever the subject, you’re taken aback—possibly intimidated or simply impressed. That’s exactly what it’s like talking to Bisi Ezerioha. His depth of knowledge is immense, yet he never makes you feel out of place or overwhelmed. Instead, every…

THE appeal of classic vehicles is undeniable. Whether it’s the rugged simplicity of a 1950 Chevrolet 3100 pickup or the raw aggression of a Ford GT40, these icons evoke a sense of nostalgia, craftsmanship, and mechanical purity. But what happens to these beloved machines when you want to daily drive them or push them on the track? For Southfield Classics, the answer isn’t to let them fade away but to elevate them into a new era—one where vintage looks meet cutting-edge EV technology. Based in Flowery Branch, north of Atlanta, Georgia, Southfield Classics has taken on the ambitious task of building brand-new electric classics from scratch, mixing timeless aesthetics with state-of-the-art electric drivetrains. Their approach is unique: rather than converting old vehicles, they manufacture new, legally certified, factory-built EV replicas that…

Few vehicles are as universally loved as the Volkswagen Type 1 Bus. Whether you call it the bus, the Microbus, or the Transporter, this rolling symbol of freedom and adventure has been a staple of surf culture, road trips, and rebellious countercultures since the 1950s. But while its unmistakable shape has aged like fine wine, its original air-cooled flat-four engine—a relic of post-war simplicity—left much to be desired in terms of performance and reliability. Fast-forward to today, and the once-humble VW bus has been reimagined for the modern era, not just by Volkswagen themselves with the ID. Buzz, but also by one of the most legendary tuners in the game: Bisimoto Engineering. If you know anything about Bisi Ezerioha, you know he doesn’t do things by halves. A mechanical engineer and…

THE 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe is one of the most iconic hot rods of all time—a symbol of speed, style, and rebellion. But what if you could capture that same spirit with instant torque and zero emissions? Enter Brian Dilley, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur turned EV hot rod innovator. After a career in tech that included pioneering startups like Flipagram and Blockfolio, Dilley turned his attention to a new challenge: merging classic car culture with cutting-edge electric power. The result? The EV Deuce—a stunning, all-steel ‘32 Coupe that keeps its vintage looks but hides a modern EV heart. The Early Years of Brian Dilley Before Dilley became a pioneer in the EV hot rod movement, he was just a car-loving kid wrenching on his first build—a 1979 Buick LeSabre. In high…

IN a rapidly evolving transportation landscape, hands-on STEM education is more critical than ever. The Legacy EV Innovators Club is leading the charge, offering students a unique, project-based learning experience that immerses them in electric vehicle (EV) technology. This program is designed to equip middle and high school students with real-world skills in electrical engineering, powertrain design, and sustainable transportation—transforming classrooms into innovation hubs. What is the EV Innovators Club? The EV Innovators Club provides students with a structured, hands-on introduction to EV technology. Through an engaging curriculum and hands-on projects, participants gain practical skills while fostering a passion for STEM careers. A key feature of the program is that students build and drive their own electric go-kart, making learning fun, interactive, and directly applicable to real-world EV technology. What’s Included?…

FELLTEN has spent years at the forefront of EV conversion technology, transforming classic cars into modern electric masterpieces with their industry-leading plug-and-play conversion systems. But their expertise doesn’t stop at vehicle electrification. With the rapid growth of the EV market, Fellten has recognized a critical challenge that’s often overlooked: what happens to EV batteries when their automotive life is over? Enter Charge Qube, a modular, scalable Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) that repurposes second-life EV battery packs for commercial and industrial energy storage and ultra-fast charging. By leveraging its deep understanding of EV battery technology, Fellten has created a system that extends the useful life of these high-capacity batteries, helping businesses, fleet operators, and event organizers transition to cleaner energy solutions— without expensive infrastructure upgrades. And now, with plans to introduce…

IN the ever-expanding world of modified electric vehicles, some builds stand out as true showstoppers. And then there’s Floridian William Madayag’s 2021 Tesla Model 3, a machine so radically transformed that it doesn’t just turn heads— it spins them 360 degrees. Known as “Lowbatt”, this widebody, air-ride, carbon-laden beast is redefining what a Tesla can be. From its forged carbon-fiber-drenched interior to its aggressive CMST widebody kit and swan-neck spoiler, this one-of-a-kind EV is as much an art piece as it is a daily driver. And the best part? Will built it while juggling his career as a chef and his love for custom cars. Gas Guzzler to Electric Head-Turner Will wasn’t even in the market for an EV when he stumbled into Tesla ownership. “I was actually planning on buying…