The most interesting EV concepts at the 2022 SEMA conference

The Specialty Gear Market Affiliation, or SEMA, held its annual convention in Las Vegas this week. Billed as one of many largest automobile reveals on the earth, the occasion usually brings collectively greater than 135,000 attendees within the automotive aftermarket trade to see the most recent traits in automobile repairs and modifications.

And this 12 months, EVs have been a selected focus. The occasion featured a devoted area for EVs, labeled “SEMA Electrified,” and in keeping with the Las Vegas Evaluation-Journal, it was 740 % bigger in comparison with 2019, when it was first debuted. A number of main automakers confirmed up with a bunch of distinctive EV ideas in tow. Listed here are a number of the ones that stood out essentially the most.

Ford introduced 10 automobiles to SEMA this 12 months, together with three EVs based mostly on the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning.

First up is the Mustang Mach-E True Mustang Persona constructed by Dom Tucci Design (Tucci Scorching Rods) and Kay Automotive Graphics. The automobile, which is predicated on a dual-motor 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, incorporates a muscular customized lift-gate spoiler, fender arches with 3D-printed fender flares, vacuum-formed clear wheel covers, and a 3D-printed entrance lip.

Up subsequent is the Ford F-150 Lightning Race Assist constructed by Actual Truck and Motor Metropolis Options. Geared up with an air compressor, leveling equipment, off-road restoration boards, and Recaro seats together with a completely cellular toolbox and welding tools, Ford says that this electrical pickup is “equally at residence on the highway and at a Baja race as a assist automobile.” 

The F-150 Lightning Swiss Military Knife is constructed by Tjin Version and Thule. Ford calls it a “jack-of-all-trades” with its photo voltaic charging functionality, moveable air compressor, fridge, console vault, Recaro entrance and rear seats, and Thule cargo equipment. Two Super73 e-bikes mounted on the again of the truck provide some choices for individuals who want two wheels to 4.

Ford says its personalization and equipment enterprise has grown 40 % within the final two years, with the Bronco being essentially the most accessorized automobile within the lineup.

VW was awarded SEMA’s first-ever Electrical Automobile of the Yr prize for its ID.4 crossover. Present exhibitors chosen the ID.4 for its potential for personalization, its capacity to deal with a wide range of terrain, and as a number one instance of the chances within the electrical automobile market.

The automaker introduced out two ID.4-based ideas, together with one it calls a Cell Drone Response Automobile with a giant roof rack designed to hold and launch massive drones. The drone response automobile will probably be put to make use of by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which has the purpose of working a one hundred pc electrical fleet by the 12 months 2030. The modified ID.4 is definitely eye-catching, that includes a customized storage unit for drone and subject tools and a transportable energy station.

The ID.4 Equipment idea comes geared up with a Thule Canyon Basket to haul gear and an Apex XT 9025XT hitch-mounted bike rack. Splash guards defend the 18-inch wheels with H&R Trak Plus wheel spacers and 245/60R18 all-terrain tires.

The Japanese automaker didn’t come to play. It introduced two placing ideas to SEMA: a 1987 Sunny restomod working a Leaf engine in addition to a fairly uncommon wanting Ariya Surfwagon woodie with teal hubcaps and two surfboards on the roof.

The California-style wagon was created by South Carolina-based Tommy Pike Customs. With a customized vinyl wrap and chrome trim, the Surfwagon options “smoothie” 20-inch wheels with white-wall tires, a customized roof rack, and a customized lowered suspension.

The Sunny truck will certainly put a smile in your face. The 1987-era truck has been transformed to run on a Leaf battery, additionally by Tommy Pike Customs. Rated at 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, the Leaf motor has round twice the ability and greater than thrice the torque of the gasoline four-cylinder engine initially geared up within the Sunny.

Mopar, Stellantis’ auto elements division, introduced a bunch of ideas, together with the Jeep CJ Surge, an open-body, battery-powered automobile that’s meant to showcase the potential for EV conversion kits for classic Jeeps. The electromod is supposed to offer the automaker’s engineers a greater understanding of EV elements equipment purposes, which might result in a future product lineup for lovers to transform their classic automobiles to EVs.

The Jeep CJ Surge is powered by a customized propulsion system. Underneath the hood, you’ll discover a scalable 400-volt, 200kW motor mounted to the body. Battery modules, of which there are 24, are enclosed in a customized shell mounted within the rear of the passenger cabin. The Jeep’s physique is perched on 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, paired with a two-inch elevate equipment.

Jeep additionally matches a customized roll cage and bikini high, whereas the middle console comes from a JK Wrangler (constructed from 2007 to 2017) and incorporates a rotary shift knob instead of the inventory lever.