Toyota Tacoma Gets High-Performance Upgrade with Tesla Model 3 Drivetrain

Two very different vehicles, the Model 3 and Tacoma, share a surprising manufacturing location in Fremont.

Introducing Tescoma. Initially, it appears to be a classic Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. Basic, made in America, reliable. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll discover that the familiar gas engine that once purred when the vehicle was brand new is no longer present.

Instead, there is some vibrant orange cabling and a large, reflective metal component displaying the word “Tesla.” However, everything remains quiet. Take a few steps closer to the bed and you’ll notice that the item is not standard at all.

This could arguably be the first Toyota Tacoma worldwide equipped with half of a Tesla Model 3 Performance drivetrain and a complete battery exchange. This unique project comes from Drewthecarguy in the Tacoma World forums. He acquired a meticulously maintained 2002 two-wheel drive Tacoma and devoted himself to transforming it into a one-of-a-kind vehicle.

Having driven a Tesla Model 3 regularly, he became hooked on the immediate power of an electric vehicle. This led to the decision to transform his old Tacoma into an electric pickup truck.

Staying true to the truck’s original design, the individual behind the concept chose to install only the rear electric motor from a pre-owned Tesla Model 3 Performance. This decision led to an output of approximately 300 horsepower. It is worth noting that the Model 3 Performance was equipped with a dual-motor configuration, however, the front motor was omitted in this project. Additionally, it is interesting to mention that the electric sedan and the two-decade-old pickup were both assembled in the same California plant, although by different companies and with different branding.

Tesla converted Tacoma EV

The high-powered battery from a different Tesla Model 3 was taken apart, breaking it down into four modules: two placed between the chassis rails and two in the rear storage area, underneath a specially crafted cover.

According to the builder’s social media updates, he chose a Model 3 battery over other options to ensure he achieved approximately 200 miles of range on a full charge. He opted to retain all four modules because the electric motor needed 400 volts to function correctly. Removing two modules would have only provided 200V unless additional hardware was installed.

The area known as the penthouse, which typically resides below the trunk of a Model 3 and houses components such as the DC to DC converter, onboard charger, contactors, and battery management system, has been moved to the front hood.

The suspension had to be adjusted to accommodate the additional weight of the batteries, approximately 1,200 pounds more. To achieve this, a Ridetech coilover system was fitted. The front brakes were improved by installing previously used Cadillac ATS calipers along with new EVO rotors that were custom drilled at a nearby machine shop to match the hubs of the Tacoma. In addition, Tesla brake components were added to the rear brakes.

The power steering system utilizes a Volvo pump, while the power brakes rely on an electrically powered vacuum pump from a Tesla Model S. Additionally, an A/C compressor from a Tesla Model S is also incorporated in the setup.

Regarding the charging setup, many other Tesla-converted projects retain the EV’s NACS connector for compatibility with Superchargers. However, this particular conversion took a different approach. The individual in charge of the project opted for an aftermarket drive unit controller from EV Controls and decided to use a J1772 connector for charging in order to keep costs down.

In terms of speed, the modified Tacoma constructed in the previous year is said to be able to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in only 3.5 seconds. This is quite impressive for a contemporary sporty car, especially considering it is a pickup truck that is 22 years old.

The custom vehicle was listed for sale several times at a price of $25,000, including on Doug DeMuro’s Cars and Bids platform. The latest advertisement we came across was on a closed Facebook group for $15,000, yet it has been taken down since then, leaving us uncertain about the fate of the converted electric Tacoma.

Regardless, we believe it’s quite an impressive vehicle and further evidence that the tradition of hot rodding will endure despite the electric car era. It will simply evolve in a new direction.