Transforming Vehicles Large and Small—Electric Power Fits All

EV conversions are nothing new—we’re on our 11th issue here at EV Builders Guide, and the movement has been gaining traction for years. But what is new is the ever-expanding audience drawn to electrification. Two high-profile builds highlight just how far that reach extends: retired NFL star Jason Kelce and gaming mogul Ludwig Ahgren are both electrifying their trucks, and their projects couldn’t be more different.

Ludwig’s 1997 Subaru Sambar is the quintessential Japanese kei truck—small, efficient, and built for the working class of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Kelce’s 1986 Chevy K10, on the other hand, is an American powerhouse from the same era—big, rugged, and built for heavy-duty work. Two vastly different vehicles, both serving the same purpose: a work truck for the working man.

Whether it’s a burly American work truck or a tiny Japanese kei, the transition to electric power proves it can work for all.

And beyond the trucks, their owners couldn’t be more different. Kelce—6’3”, 295 lbs—is a Super Bowl-winning center, known for his grit and brawn. Ludwig, by contrast, is a YouTube and Twitch powerhouse, commanding millions of viewers with his gaming and entertainment content. Yet despite their different worlds, both are landing on the same solution: making their dream ride electric.

Kelce’s Electrified 1986 Chevy K10

Kelce’s K10 is getting a full electric overhaul, led by high school students at Kansas City’s Operation Breakthrough, a nonprofit providing STEM education to under-resourced youth. Backed by Legacy EV, the build will swap in a fully electric powertrain while maintaining the truck’s classic appeal.

Ludwig’s 1997 Subaru Sambar EV Conversion

Meanwhile, Ludwig’s kei truck is undergoing its own transformation with BIGTIME and Legacy EV, proving that electrification isn’t just for muscle cars and pickups—it works for the smallest workhorses, too.

A Spectrum of Possibilities

These builds highlight the growing momentum of EV conversions across different audiences. Whether it’s a burly American work truck or a tiny Japanese kei, the transition to electric power proves it can work for all.

Kelce and Ludwig come from different worlds, but their builds send the same message: EV conversions aren’t just a niche trend—they’re an evolving movement with room for everyone.

ABOUT ROB AND MAV

Rob and Mavrick are the co-founders of Legacy EV, an aftermarket EV parts supplier and training provider. Rob is a lifelong gearhead converted to EV enthusiast because of the performance that the powertrain provides, while Mav has been driving EVs since they only had a 72-mile range (a bit of an early adopter you could say). Together they bring the yin and yang of hype and realism, burn-outs and earth-day parades, that help Legacy EV be the industry leader that it is today.