Although it’s an exaggeration to say that Tesla motor conversions are as popular as LS swaps now, adventurous builders are putting them in whatever they can.
Old-fashioned cars like a Plymouth or a 1990s Acura NSX are now being updated with electric vehicle technology.
Can-Am Maverick UTV
This Can-Am Maverick UTV fitted with the Model 3 motor is incredible and can tear through the desert in complete silence.
So Quiet
It’s so quiet that one can hear the paddle tires revving through the dunes with utmost speed. Powerful V8s, or, in the case of a stock Maverick X3, a turbocharged triple-cylinder usually muffle this peculiar audio. Nonetheless, here it is clear.
Take a look at the latest news about the technology world and how it’s progressing.
Don Swadley: The Inventor
Don Swadley is a well-known inventor and the owner of the battery-powered rig. He has created several eccentric off-roaders, including a Tesla sand truck that gained attention in 2018, which makes this UTV his latest masterpiece.
The Can-Am we are currently examining is a product of careful tuning with the help of Fox Racing shocks and wiring electric drivetrains to travel up to 125 miles per charge with residual energy, which he achieved with several years worth of knowledge from the project.
Mechanical Aspects of UTVs
Swadley connected ten Chevrolet Bolt EV batteries, each weighing around 70 pounds, to operate the side-by-side. The batteries channel power into a single Tesla Model 3 motor located in
Structuring and Designing
SDR Motorsports constructed the roll cage and doors to enhance the structure’s safety, while Extreme Performance supplied the big brake kit and rear radius rods.
Swadley brought all these components together while documenting each step on Instagram.
These parts came from highly-regarded players such as EV West and Unplugged Performance in the electric aftermarket.
Wirings
Converting a car to battery and motor power involves much more than just swapping out the engine; you need knowledge of high-voltage hardware, understanding how to wire packs in series, and getting all the parts to work together effectively.
Swadley did this well, creating his own portable charger to use in his motorhome. Even though it won’t be able to last all weekend without access to a power source, with the 50-amp service that some campgrounds offer, it is just as convenient as a gas-powered alternative.
Furthermore, it’s strange to have that speed without any sound other than the tires gripping the ground.
Would you ride this amazing machine? Tell us in the comments section below.
We’re so excited that we have something really cool for you.Check out our blog post!