Six Builds That Define the EV Revolution

Over the years, EV Builder’s Guide has featured a wide range of electric builds, from faithful restorations to bold, ground-up creations. Choosing just a handful is difficult because every project reflects the vision and hard work of builders who are pushing what is possible. The six highlighted here do not take away from the many others we have covered. Instead, they show the creativity and variety that define this community and remind us that the future of electric builds is every bit as exciting as the past that inspired them.

Evolved Imports Nissan Skyline GTR

Eric and Amanda Dotson of Evolved Imports in Albuquerque, New Mexico, set out to merge JDM heritage with electric power, and the result is EVzilla, a reimagined 1990 Nissan Skyline GTR. Known for its legendary status in performance culture, the R32 became the perfect canvas for one of the most ambitious EV builds to date.

At its core is a dual-motor setup from a Tesla Model S P90D, producing 762 horsepower and 713 lb-ft of torque. With quarter-mile times aimed at the nine-second range, EVzilla is firmly planted in the realm of high-performance EVs. To handle that power, the team added Ohlins coilovers, a custom rear cradle, and Dutchman axles, ensuring the Skyline remains as composed as it is fast.

Aesthetic details match the performance. Next Level Paint finished the car in Toyota Voodoo Blue, accented by carbon fiber bodywork, a Jun kit, and Nismo N1 headlights. Inside, Recaro seats, AEM gauges, and a Tesla climate system modernize the driving experience, while JL Audio components bring premium sound.

Unveiled at SEMAfest 2023, EVzilla is both a showcase of engineering and a glimpse of where high-performance EV culture is heading: fast, stylish, and unapologetically bold.

Legacy EV & HP Tuners Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 has long symbolized precision performance, and this 1984 Carrera now carries that legacy into the electric era. Built in collaboration between Legacy EV and HP Tuners, the project transformed the classic into an 800-volt development platform and a showcase for HP Tuners’ new CORE EV control unit.

In just four months, Legacy EV engineered a system built around a Cascadia Motion iDM-375SiC drive module, producing 635 horsepower and 435 lb-ft of torque. A custom 76.5 kWh, 800-volt battery pack was designed to fit the 911’s compact frame, while CCS fast charging ensures it can keep pace with modern expectations. Cooling is handled by dual racing radiators, and careful packaging keeps weight balanced for authentic Porsche handling.

The CORE EV unit ties the build together by simplifying setup, reducing errors, and enabling seamless CAN communication across the system. Safety and future-proofing were priorities, with hardware and software designed to withstand high-performance demands and evolving technologies.

Visually, the car remains unmistakably a 911. Custom wheels, Brembo brakes, and upcoming interior refinements will complete the package. More than a single build, this project shows how EV conversions can be both high-performance and a proving ground for aftermarket innovation.

Southfield Classics Chevy 3100

Southfield Classics of Georgia has long specialized in meticulous restorations, but with the SC31T Chevy 3100, they stepped into a new era. Led by industry veteran Dan Paul, the team built this truck from all-new components with electric performance at the center. The result is a classic 1950s pickup silhouette hiding a thoroughly modern drivetrain.

Power comes from a Cascadia Motion iM-225 motor producing 300 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 84 kWh battery pack good for 250 miles of range. CCS fast charging keeps downtime short, while Ridetech air suspension with programmable ride heights ensures comfort and stance. Southfield even designed the chassis in-house, combining Mustang II independent suspension up front with a Ford 9-inch rear axle and four-link setup.

Attention to detail defines the build. The pearl white Dynacorn body received subtle modifications, including a tucked rear bumper and satin clear coat finish. Inside, full-grain leather and Alcantara upholstery, Dakota Digital gauges adapted for EV data, and a central touchscreen bring modern function to a vintage space.

The SC31T is more than a showcase; it’s Southfield’s first step into small-volume manufacturing, with plans for more electrified classics to follow.

Moment Motors Mercedes 230 SL

Few cars capture mid-century elegance like the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL “Pagoda.” With its signature roofline and refined proportions, it remains one of the most iconic European roadsters. When one owner wanted to keep that spirit alive while improving reliability and performance, he turned to Moment Motor Company in Austin, Texas.

The build began with a full restoration by Unique Cars of Palm Beach, bringing the car back to showroom condition with a silver exterior and red leather interior. Moment Motors then integrated a Cascadia SS-250 motor and CM200 inverter, delivering 300 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque. Power comes from a 62 kWh battery pack split between custom front boxes and a rear-mounted unit near the differential, preserving trunk space and balance.

Inside, the classic gauges were converted to display electric metrics, including state of charge and kilowatt output. Traditional gear shifting was replaced with simple push buttons for drive, reverse, and park, while an electronic parking brake makes operation effortless.

The result is a Pagoda that glides with silent strength, maintaining the refinement that defined Mercedes in the 1960s. For its owner, the project preserves a family treasure while ensuring it remains enjoyable for years to come.

Vintage Iron & Restoration 1947 Ford COE (COEV)

Dennis and Beth Kilpatrick’s 1947 Ford COE, nicknamed COEV, is part rat rod, part rolling sculpture, and all electric. Built by Vintage Iron & Restoration in Scottsdale, Arizona, the truck combines eccentric artistry with serious engineering, requiring more than 1,000 hours of fabrication to complete.

Power comes from a reVolt CR-43 motor producing 603 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque, mounted proudly on the flatbed rather than hidden under sheetmetal. The motor feeds through a Casale billet V-drive to a Strange rear axle, launching the 4,575-pound truck from 0–60 mph in under six seconds. Energy is stored in a 100 kWh Tesla battery pack housed in an ampRevolt modular box, delivering more than 200 miles of range.

The build brims with quirky details: an “electric fence” motor surround made from repurposed parts, surgical instruments used as switchgear (a nod to Dennis’ career as an eye surgeon), and fiber-optic lighting triggered by a vintage transformer. The chopped cab features Dakota Digital gauges, modern sound, and a bench seat from a late-model Ranger.

With its weathered finish, catwalk-style bed, and bold stance, the COEV is as much a statement as it is a vehicle. It proves that electrification can embrace both performance and personality.

Current EV 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe

The 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe is a hot rod icon, and Los Angeles–based Current Electric Vehicles set out to prove it could thrive in the electric age. Founded by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Brian Dilley, Current EV was born from a love of classic cars and a background in building tech startups. The Deuce was its first statement piece.

Unlike many replicas, this build uses an all-steel body to preserve authenticity. Under the hood sits a Webb Motorworks block designed to look like a vintage V8 but cleverly housing EV components. Power comes from a Cascadia SS-250 motor making 300 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, backed by a 40 kWh liquid-cooled battery pack split between front and rear. With a range of up to 125 miles, it balances practicality with performance.

Inside, a clean dash features a 5-inch AEM digital display, while a unique THOR Electronic Exhaust system gives the car a “revving” soundtrack to match its hot rod roots. Subtle details like custom-machined coolant caps and a re-chromed EV badge highlight the shop’s craftsmanship.