The Cybertruck has become an anchor around Tesla’s neck as its delivery date slips further and further behind. Where is he even now, 2028? Still, some have taken matters into their own hands. If they can’t get a Tesla truck, they’ll build it. And that’s what we have here, a Tesla Model S “Teslamino” pickup truck.
Who built this Tesla truck?
You may have seen the Model 3 “Truckla” pickup from a few years back. This build follows the same vein, but is based on a Tesla Model S. Being larger than a Model 3, some might suggest it’s the better choice to pair with a Ute pickup.
Assembled by Revolt Systems just down the street in Oceanside, California, the company has been making Tesla performance upgrades and racing them for years. They even put together a battery-powered aero for Bonneville Speed Week. So pulling out a Tesla Model S truck was well within its wheelhouse.
Did they start building the Tesla truck with a new Model S?
It started in early 2019 and came well before the first Cybertruck unveiling in November. So, it wasn’t so much from the frustration of waiting for a Cybertruck as from doing what Tesla logically should have been doing. Instead of sedans, the world has turned to pickup trucks and SUVs. A Tesla truck was really a no-brainer.
Revolt started with an 85 Model S, so it was built sometime between 2012 and 2016. These made 362 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, beating out the slower 60 Model S. Based on the instagram page featuring the Teslamino, is a work in progress.
Was this Tesla pickup made from a kit?
After cutting the rear of the hood and welding the doors together, a truck bed was made from aluminum sheets. It had to be a bit shallow due to the height of the Model S’s rear suspension, but it still works well as the pictures suggest. Sail panels also had to be fabricated, as well as adding a window frame for a flat rear window. It can now slide open for convenient access to cargo in the bed.
It also shines with the addition of the freshened front end of the current S models. A tailgate styled after the rear of the Model S was created, while retaining the signature ducktail spoiler. It was extended lower than the original trunk opening for full access to the floor of the bed. To be honest, it seems about as functional as many trucks today. It might even be a problem to paint it as now it can be used without fear of scratching it.
We’re seeing more and more Ute conversions as cheap sedans become more useful as light trucks. The Model S isn’t cheap, but used prices are falling. And it can be made much more useful as a Tesla truck.
Since there are kits to transform Dodge Magnum, Audi A4 and Beetle into trucks, will this be the first of many more Tesla truck conversions?