Toyota ute by Tesla
There’s no chance a future production Hilux EV will ever be this exciting
We’ve seen some truly wild electric vehicle (EV) conversions, but this electromodded 2002 Toyota Tacoma from the US is right up there.
We’re talking a Tesla Model 3 Performance battery and rearwheel drive powering this wild ute, and it’s ready to rip up the streets (and leave petrol stations in the dust).
Electric vehicle conversions are becoming increasingly popular, but often come with a hefty price tag and halo car status.
This US-built “Tesla Tacoma”, however, flips the script, offering a potentially more accessible entry point into the electric ute game.
This electrified beast boasts an impressive collection of custom parts, including the aforementioned Tesla battery and rear-drive unit, along with Tesla rear brakes, Cadillac front brakes, and an Orion BMS2 battery management system.
The only real giveaway on the outside? Mismatched wheels — the Tesla rims wouldn’t fit up front, so the builder improvised.
The build is surprisingly clean, featuring a neatly integrated charge port behind the fuel door, a slick digital infotainment system, and even push-button gear selectors for a touch of modern flair.
While the exact power output remains a mystery, the seller estimates a blistering 0-100km/ h time in the 4-5 second range. To top it off, this electrified Tacoma boasts a respectable 240-280km range, letting you enjoy pure electric thrills, albeit in short bursts, before heading to the nearest charging station.
This one-of-a-kind ute is up for grabs on US auction site
THIS ELECTRIFIED TACOMA BOASTS A RESPECTABLE 240-280KM RANGE, LETTING YOU ENJOY PURE ELECTRIC THRILLS, ALBEIT IN SHORT BURSTS, BEFORE HEADING TO THE NEAREST CHARGING STATION.
Cars&Bids, with the current bid at the time writing just US$5100 (around NZ$8200).
That’s right, for less than the price of a well-used Corolla (plus shipping), you could be behind the wheel of this electric sensation. Of course, there’s always the potential for future maintenance mishaps, but for the adventurous gearhead, that might just be part of the appeal.