The making of Truckla: Converting a Tesla Model 3 into a truck | Simone Giertz and Lex Fridman

TL;DR

A non-car enthusiast converts a Tesla Model 3 into a pickup truck, facing challenges but ultimately creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing vehicle.

Transcript

to one of your more epic projects I mean they're all Epic but truckla yeah you cutting into a Tesla and turning into an epic truck what was that like where did the idea come from the idea came from that I really wanted an electric pickup truck like I'm only really driven electric because I got my driver's license pretty late and I'm like one of the... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛻 The idea for the Truckla conversion came from a personal desire for an electric pickup truck, given the lack of choices in the market.
• 😤 Safety was a top priority during the project, with a dedicated team involved to ensure no compromises were made.
• ❤️‍🩹 While function was the primary focus, the final Truckla design ended up impressively visually appealing.
• 🤩 The creator's preference for the smaller size of their converted truck over larger options available in the market.
• 😂 The project required meticulous planning and a month of tearing apart the Tesla Model 3 to make the conversion.
• 😤 Despite being outside their expertise, the creator brought in a team to manage the project effectively.
• 🛻 The Truckla serves as a functional electric pickup truck that still holds up well, even with the emergence of other options in the market.

Questions & Answers

Q: Where did the idea to convert a Tesla into a pickup truck come from?

The idea came from a need for an electric pickup truck and the lack of available options in the market. The project creator wanted a functional electric vehicle since they had only driven electric cars and did not plan on getting a gas vehicle.

Q: What were some of the challenges faced during the Truckla conversion project?

The project was outside the creator's expertise, as they were not a car person. They brought in a team and a project manager to ensure safety and avoid any potential risks. The challenge was to balance their desire for a functional truck with the need for safety and avoiding any compromises.

Q: How did the final design of the Truckla come about?

Initially, the creator was primarily focused on the functionality of the converted truck and was not concerned about its appearance. However, during the project, the team managed to achieve a visually pleasing design, exceeding the creator's expectations.

Q: How does the Truckla compare to other electric pickup trucks?

Despite the availability of options like Rivian and Ford F-150, the creator still stands by the Truckla. While acknowledging the merits of other electric pickup trucks, the creator appreciates the smaller, more compact size and aesthetic appeal of their creation.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The idea to convert a Tesla into a pickup truck came from a desire for an electric pickup truck and the lack of options in the market.

• The project involved a year of planning, a dedicated team, and ensuring the safety of the modified vehicle.

• Despite initial focus on functionality rather than aesthetics, the final result of the Truckla conversion turned out to be both functional and visually appealing.