What is that? Is it weird? Maybe dorky. It is not a golf cart! It is an off-roady convertible minivan that can do 0-60 in about 3 seconds and haul 4x8 sheets of plywood between the wheel wells.
It is a new customizable vehicle with all the awesome Tesla tech. See it at SEMA this week.
Concept
New vehicle created from new chassis, structure, and body but using recycled hardware and software from donor car.
All hardware and software comes from donor vehicle.
Removing unibody from car and replacing with something not limited by previous type (sedan).
New vehicle can be whatever is needed with modular assembly.
Types of vehicles: pick up, small bus, family van, off roader, cargo van, event cart, EMT van, safari car, farm truck, movie filming car, landscaper van,
Assembly principles: no hardware moves around too much so that it cannot be used or major wire harnesses or hoses need cutting. Wheelbase will not be shorter but can be longer.
The vehicle is only electric.
The best donor vehicle is Model 3/Y because: Used and salvage are very available for good value. Best engineering such as zonal architecture. New parts are readily available through parts.tesla.com> without dealer markups. New parts are relatively inexpensive. No systems are expensive and prone to fail like air suspension. Excellent performance like range and acceleration. Tesla software is excellent and carries over to new vehicle. All computers, cameras, and sensors are used to retain FSD and safety features. Supercharger access!
The Model 3/Y is the only donor car where this makes a lot of sense.
Design
No compromises for aesthetics. Design is for use and function, not what a marketing company thinks mass buyers want. Nothing is fake to make the user feel better. No overcompensation in vehicle looks, hood height, or toughness. No chunky plastic body parts.
Visibility: Nose is slanted down so small things can be seen in front of the vehicle. Driver position moved forward for better visibility. Windshield is huge. No massive A pillar. Side and rear windows are really big so you can see blindspots and behind you. Roof and doors can be removed if you want to see even more.
Terrain capability: Battery box raised 1.5” in respect to sub assemblies. Suspension can also be raised. Minimal front and rear overhang for 37 degree approach and departure angle. Ground clearance about 8”. Driving over tall curbs or down and up in ditches is no problem.
Safety: Chassis is more substantial with larger extrusions protecting the battery box and front and rear impact.
Modular: Doors and body panels can be removed. Height and length of vehicle are variable. Types of doors is variable. Yes, color too.
Simple and clean interior: Everything needed. Most control from touchscreen. Interior panels are regrind HDPE which is 100% recycled plastic. Water resistant interior.
Wheelbase is the same but overall length is shorter than the Model 3. No need for long front wheel overhang which makes tight traffic and city parking easier.
FAQ, a lot of questions
How much does it cost? More than a Slate but less than a Cybertruck.
When can I buy it? 2027
Is it safe? We thinks so however not yet proven. It has not been crash tested yet (not by accident either) but engineered with more structural protection than a modern sedan or SUV. It has all the airbags from a Model 3 except the side curtain. It uses all the crash avoidance mechanisms.
Does it do FSD? Yes, it has all the radar and cameras as a Model 3.
Is Tesla associated in any way? No, other than recycling their used cars.
Where is it made? Madison, Wisconsin. (and Fremont, California) This vehicle is more domestic than almost anything out there.
Where do I charge it? Level 2 at home, work, or Tesla Superchargers, or other DC fast chargers and CCS with an adapter.
How is it titled? It is titled as a bus as it seats 11. You can take out as many seats as you like (except the driver's seat)
What colors are available? What is your favorite color? Matte finish is great as all of it is powder coated.
What is the range? Around town it may be better than a Model 3 as it is lighter. It is larger than a Model 3 however and has a higher coefficient of drag and will not get as good of range. We are improving aerodynamics 2027Q1. As of now, highway range is not as good as it should be but still good enough to drive from Madison to Las Vegas (for SEMA of course)
Does it do all the good Tesla stuff? Yes, you can control it with your phone app just like a Tesla, and yes, it has dog mode!
Can I take it off road? Yes but it is not a good choice for rock crawling. It uses the entire front and rear Tesla sub assemblies. The ground clearance is better than a Ford Explorer. Approach and departure angles are 37 degrees which is better than a G-wagon.
Is it all about the Model 3? Yes, and the Y of course.
How is it made? All structure and body parts are powder coated aluminum. Exposed fasteners are stainless steel or steel coated with 1,000 hour salt spray resistance. Interior fasteners are stainless or zinc plated steel. Interior soft panels are made from recycled HDPE, all of then. Everything (aluminum and HDPE) is from recycled material except very few and small 3D printed parts. Everything else is from a recycled Model 3. This has to be the most sustainable vehicle ever.
Where can I get it serviced? After we build the vehicle, we have the alignment done. We get that done at a Tesla service center. Tesla may do service beyond that on these vehicles, but certainly not anything pertaining to the chassis or body. There are more and more independent Tesla service centers opening and they seem eager to work on these unique cars. Anything pertaining to what we make, is our responsibility to correct under warranty.
What is it called? The Badger!