With over twice the power and torque of the original, this electric Ford Model A pickup is considerably quicker. The conversion project was done by retiree Dennis Thompson, who used a Hyper 9 kit by Flash Drive Motors. The kit includes a 120-horsepower (90-kilowatt) electric motor and everything needed to turn any old car into an EV. The battery pack is made up of 5 6.3-kilowatt-hour battery modules out of a Tesla Model S, which give a total capacity of around 33 kWh.
The complete kit for this conversion cost a little over $17,000, with everything except labor included. Like with many similar kits designed to work with classic cars, it is designed to be easily removed so that the combustion engine can be reinstated quickly. However, in many cases, such as this Ford Model A pickup, the EV conversion actually improves the vehicle’s performance and overall driving experience.
Retaining the original manual gearbox, the electric motor sends its power to the rear wheels through the original three-speed manual transmission. The gearbox produces the same gear whine as the original, preserving much of the audible experience of driving a vehicle from the 1920s. The electric conversion eliminates the engine noise and noxious fumes that a vehicle this old would typically produce.
Despite the modern upgrades, the converted Ford Model A pickup still retains its old truck character, rattling like a vehicle that is nearly 100 years old. However, it is considerably quicker than its stock counterpart, boasting about twice the power of the most powerful engine it came with from the factory. This enhanced performance allows the electric pickup to surprise unsuspecting opponents at the traffic light grand prix.
Overall, the Hyper 9 kit offers a cost-effective solution for converting classic vehicles into electric vehicles. With a focus on retaining the original driving experience while enhancing performance and efficiency, this conversion kit opens up new possibilities for vintage car enthusiasts looking to modernize their rides.