DIY electric pickup project

Engineer and YouTuber Michael Pick has converted a used BMW i3 REx into a low-cost electric pickup truck, aiming to offer a mini utility vehicle at a fraction of the price of the upcoming Slate Truck from startup Slate Auto.

Background on the BMW i3 REx

The BMW i3 REx, launched in 2014, was an unusual vehicle with a carbon fiber cell based on an aluminum chassis. This rare architecture made it stand out but also limited its appeal in North America, where larger vehicles are more common.

Conversion process details

To turn the BMW i3 REx into a pickup, Pick removed the rear and roof of the vehicle. He added a steel frame to connect a removable bed made of plywood, coated with epoxy and a bedliner-type covering. Sealant was used to ensure watertightness, and original components like locks and lights were retained to avoid reprogramming the car’s electronics.

Cost and components

Pick initially planned for a budget of 9,300 euros but finished the project for just under 7,400 euros. The used BMW i3 cost about 5,400 euros, and the rest of the budget covered materials for the bed, a new steel frame, a new windshield, and an upgraded multimedia system.

Comparison with Slate Truck

The Slate Truck, backed by Jeff Bezos, is priced at 23,000 euros and offers a simpler design with fewer comfort features. Pick’s project, in contrast, is about a third of the cost and includes the safety and comfort features of a BMW, along with a custom reinforced chassis and an open bed. The converted i3 REx has an electric range of about 160 km, with an extended range of over 550 km when using a small fuel tank.