Tesla drive units are powering some impressive electric conversions out there and the latest, called ‘Teslonda’, is a great example.
I think we are going to see more electric conversions soon thanks to a new company started by Jason Hughes, a prominent Tesla hacker and tinkerer.
Jason bought a ton of Tesla Model S and Model X salvaged vehicles. He repaired a few and used the parts of others to create projects, like a massive home energy storage system
Now, he is putting some of his inventory up for sale through his new company HSR Motors. He is selling Tesla battery modules, drive units, and a custom control system that enables people to control Tesla motors for their conversion projects.
YouTube user ‘Jimmy Built’ is among the firsts to use a HSR Motors system – combined with a Chevy Volt battery pack – to convert a vehicle.
Here’s his ‘Teslonda’ electric Honda Accord launching from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds:
Jimmy commented in the description of the video:
“Some of our first 0-60 mph testing in Teslonda. We managed to get 2.7 seconds out of her, and that is with 38 degree asphalt, cold tires and a cold battery. I’m thinking 2.5 seconds is possible.”
He is using the ‘Performance Large Tesla Drive Unit package’ from HSR which has a 400 kW (536 HP) peak power output.
He is also using a Chevy Volt EV battery pack, which supports a higher discharge than Tesla’s battery, but Tesla’s drive unit is more powerful than the Volt’s. It makes combining the two an interesting idea for an all-electric drag racing car.
It’s the first time that someone has tried this combination. We previously reported on an all-electric kit car with Tesla drivetrain and Volt battery running a quarter-mile in 10.1 seconds.
Other interesting electric conversion projects that we recently reported on include a classic 427 Shelby Cobra powered by a Tesla electric motor & Kia Soul EV battery pack and a 1969 VW Karmann Ghia into an all-electric classic.
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