One of the most exciting aspects of converting gas-powered vehicles to electric is the freedom to break free from the constraints of traditional engineering.
When you no longer have to design around a combustion engine and a bulky drivetrain, the possibilities for creativity and performance expand dramatically. EV conversions allow builders to reimagine power delivery, leveraging small motors and innovative layouts to achieve performance and aesthetics previously unimaginable.
A shining example of this innovation is Vintage Iron and Restoration’s (VIR) 1947 Ford COE—nicknamed “COEV.” With a Mad Max-like attitude and cutting-edge electric technology, this build encapsulates what’s possible when creativity meets EV power.
Reimagining Performance and Design
At the heart of the COEV lies a 400-volt ReVolt CR-43 motor mounted on the flatbed, prominently displayed as functional art. This isn’t just an aesthetic choice; the motor feeds power through a Casale billet V-drive gearbox to the rear wheels, delivering a whopping 603 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque. This setup enables the truck to sprint from 0–60 mph in just 5.9 seconds—a jaw-dropping feat for a vehicle weighing 4,575 pounds.
The COEV’s drivetrain is paired with a 100 kWh battery pack comprised of Tesla Model S modules, strategically placed low in the chassis to optimize weight distribution. The result? A robust range of over 200 miles and handling that belies its vintage rat-rod exterior.
A Marriage of Art and Functionality
The flatbed-mounted motor isn’t just a power source—it’s a centerpiece. Encased in an electric “fence” constructed from repurposed items like a fishing rod and pitchfork, it embodies the eccentric artistry VIR is known for. Nearby, a reclaimed transformer with vintage high-voltage components activates the truck’s fiber-optic lighting system, doubling as a homage to owner Dennis Kilpatrick’s career as an eye surgeon.
Even the smallest details carry creative weight. The charge port is cleverly hidden where the radiator cap once sat, and the truck’s front panel opens to reveal the intricacies of its electric system. This interplay of innovation and craftsmanship elevates the COEV from a functional vehicle to a statement of personality and technical prowess.
Continuing the Hot-Rodding Tradition
EV conversions like the COEV are the modern-day evolution of hot-rodding—a tradition nearly as old as the automobile itself. In the early days, bootleggers dropped Cadillac V8s into Ford Model T’s, transforming humble family cars into law-defying speed machines. By the mid-20th century, enthusiasts were cramming oversized big-block engines into lightweight coupes, creating Frankenstein-like vehicles capable of dominating the drag strip or street. The tradition evolved further with the rise of the import tuner scene, where swapping motors from one car model to another redefined performance possibilities.
Today, that same ingenuity drives EV builders to replace combustion engines with electric powertrains, injecting modern speed and torque into everything from classic hot rods to unlikely platforms like pickup trucks and vintage compact cars. It’s a fresh twist on the age-old hot-rodding mantra:
Make it faster, make it better, and make it yours.
Vintage Iron and Restoration exemplifies this spirit of innovation. Having started their EV journey with a 1972 Electric Camino, they’ve since become leaders in marrying classic style with cutting-edge technology. Their work on the COEV, completed with support from Legacy EV and other industry partners, underscores how EV conversions are redefining performance, aesthetics, and functionality.
The Road Ahead
For enthusiasts and builders alike, EV conversions open a new frontier of possibilities. Whether it’s designing show-stopping builds like the COEV or creating daily drivers with bespoke charm, the potential to innovate is virtually limitless.
Curious about Vintage Iron’s electrifying journey? Read about their debut EV project, the Electric Camino, and see how they’re shaping the future of custom cars. At Legacy EV, we’re here to support builders in unlocking the full potential of EV technology, one transformative project at a time.
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