1965 Ford Mustang with a Tesla Powertrain: An Expert Review

Daily Car

10/03/2026

The trend of converting classic cars to electric power is growing. One notable example is a 1965 Ford Mustang given a modern electric heart using Tesla components. This project, undertaken by Revolt Systems in California, serves as a test vehicle for developing EV conversion technologies. It merges iconic American muscle car aesthetics with the performance of an electric vehicle.

What is the core of this electric 1965 Mustang project?

This vehicle is a high-performance demonstration of a classic car conversion. Revolt Systems replaced the original gasoline engine with a heavily modified electric drive unit from a Tesla Model S. The primary objective is to combine the timeless design of the first-generation Mustang with the instant torque and power of modern EV technology. With a fully charged battery, the electric motor can produce up to 600 horsepower.

How are the electric motor and battery integrated?

The integration presented unique engineering challenges. The Mustang was built on a Roadster Shop chassis designed to accommodate a large V8 engine. To adapt, the Tesla motor was mounted in the front engine bay, using the existing motor mounts. The high-voltage battery pack is distributed under the floor and in the trunk area. This placement results in a perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, a key factor for optimal vehicle handling.

How does the car's performance and handling compare to the original?

The vehicle's dynamics are fundamentally transformed. In addition to the powerful electric motor, the car is fitted with QA1 coilovers for superior suspension control and a Baer high-performance braking system that includes regenerative braking. This modern hardware, combined with the balanced weight, allows the car to handle with an agility and precision that was unattainable for the original 1965 model. The instant power delivery provides acceleration far beyond the capabilities of the stock car.

What are the limitations of this conversion?

The main drawback lies with the repurposed Tesla battery. When the battery's state of charge falls below 50%, it experiences severe voltage sag under heavy acceleration, dropping by as much as 100 volts. This significantly reduces the power available to the motor, affecting peak performance. Revolt Systems is actively developing its own battery solution to overcome this limitation. This project underscores both the immense potential of EV restomods and the technical hurdles that remain in component integration.

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