A YouTuber has made headlines for purchasing a stripped-down Tesla Model 3 for just $2,000. This unusual vehicle has no body panels, windshield, or seatbelts, yet it impressively retains a 212-mile range on a full charge. Remmy Evans, the content creator behind this adventure, showcases both the resilience of Tesla’s drivetrain and a unique approach to off-roading.
YouTuber’s Journey to Purchase the Stripped Tesla Model 3
The story began with a phone call from Evans’ friend Jake. He informed Evans about an unusual vehicle located at his brother-in-law’s house in Idaho. The Tesla Model 3 had been stripped down to its core components.
- Initial Investment: The previous owner, Grayson, acquired the Model 3 for $6,000 to $7,000.
- Project Abandonment: Grayson originally planned to transplant the drivetrain into a 1970s concept car but abandoned the project due to its complexity.
- Negotiated Price: Evans successfully negotiated the price down from $3,000 to $2,000, acquiring essentially a rolling chassis.
Understanding Tesla’s Durability
Despite its stripped condition, Evans discovered that the Model 3 still displayed an impressive 212 miles of range. However, this came with challenges as the vehicle produced 78 error codes. These codes resulted from the absence of safety features, cameras, and sensors that Tesla vehicles typically require.
Off-Road Adventures and Challenges
Following the purchase, Evans customized the vehicle by replacing the worn-out tires with bright red wheels. He then took the Tesla for a test drive, which included public roads, drifting, and jumping on a friend’s property. A friend noted that its handling was akin to a “Polaris Slingshot” but much faster.
Charging Dilemmas
Charging the Tesla proved to be an adventure in itself. Evans faced various challenges at charging stations: first, his adapter didn’t fit a DC fast charger. He ingeniously modified the adapter but later realized that the stripped Model 3 might not support CCS fast charging, which is common for most public chargers.
- Charging Time: Without enabling fast charging, the stripped car would take 7–8 hours on a Level 2 charger.
- Battery Life: He could take over 14 hours using a standard 110V outlet.
Evans’ Future Plans and Tesla’s Software Obstacles
Evans decided against updating the car’s software due to fears it would render the vehicle inoperable. After connecting the Tesla app, the car began showing “Service Required” messages, implying increased operational difficulties.
Ultimately, Evans plans to visit an official Tesla service center to investigate the possibility of enabling fast charging. His journey has generated significant interest, especially considering the unpredictability of Tesla’s response.
Conclusion: Durability of Electric Vehicles
This adventure emphasizes the durability of electric vehicle drivetrains, particularly Tesla’s. Despite being stripped of essential components, the drivetrain’s functionality remains intact, showcasing the resilience and longevity of electric powertrains. This experience serves as a testament to the potential of Tesla vehicles, albeit in a highly unconventional presentation.
Stay tuned for more updates on Evans’ unique Tesla Model 3 project on El-Balad.
