- John Wilson converted a 1966 Ford Mustang into an EV with 240 HP and 324 lb-ft of torque using Tesla batteries and dual motors.
- The build is 80% repurposed materials, highlighting sustainability in classic car conversions.
- The Mustang won Best Interior at Electrify Showoff Denver 2024, showcasing John’s first EV conversion success.
When you think of a 1966 Ford Mustang, one of the most iconic muscle cars in American history, the first image that probably comes to mind is the roar of a inline 6 engine. But for John Wilson, a Navy veteran and EV enthusiast from Fayetteville, Arkansas, the goal was something entirely different: quiet power, clean energy, and a new chapter in automotive innovation. His vision for EV customization was brought to life in a silver-blue Mustang that earned the prestigious Best Interior award, presented by Lunar Plus, at the Electrify Showoff, Driven by Yokohama Tire, in Denver.
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Converting a 1966 Ford Mustang to EV with Fuel2Electric
John’s story is a unique blend of past and future. After 40 years of running a mobility business, Presidential Conversions Inc., which specialized in wheelchair-accessible vehicles, John decided it was time to take on a new challenge. That challenge was electric vehicle (EV) conversion.
“We bought our 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe on April 16, 2021, specifically for an EV conversion,” he explained. “We wanted to experience the EV conversion steps to better understand the process as it relates to the industry.” Not only was this a personal project, it was an opportunity for John to dive into the future of transportation while promoting his company, Fuel2Electric, which helps others interested in converting their vehicles to electric power.
Classic Power Meets Sustainability
At the heart of this custom build is an EV drive train that John proudly calls his favorite part of the project. The Mustang is powered by dual AC Netgain Hyper 9 HV Inline motors paired with Hyper-Drive X144 controllers, delivering an impressive 240 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque. It’s a huge leap from the car’s original I6 200cu engine that produced 120 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. Now, the Mustang is equipped with a 52 kWh battery pack made up of 10 Tesla Model S 5.2 kWh modules, housed in custom battery boxes, providing an estimated range of 150 miles on a single charge.
This custom EV features a Thunderstruck BMS (Battery Management System), an Elcon 6 6kW Charger, and an Ampere EV HV Junction Box to keep the system running efficiently. The interior includes SpeedHut EV gauges that provide real-time updates on battery status and performance. For a car that was originally known for its growling gas-powered engine, this level of power without the noise is a testament to how far EV customization has come.
There’s more than just an EV conversion to John’s Mustang. Every component of the car has been carefully chosen to fit into this vision of a sustainable, yet powerful, build. The Mustang II front suspension and a modified Ford Explorer 8.8 rear axle give it a modern driving experience, while the OEM-style interior keeps it looking as authentic as possible. The car’s 1964-1966 Mustang radio with Bluetooth USA-740 and a sound system featuring a 100-Watt JBL amplifier bring modern audio capabilities to this timeless ride.
One of the most interesting parts of the build is how dedicated John is to sustainability. “Only about 20% of this build is new materials and parts. The rest is saved from the landfill,” John proudly shared with us. The fact that an iconic car like the 1966 Ford Mustang can be revived with an electric drive while repurposing materials shows how classic cars and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
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Challenges and Triumphs
Of course, every first-time EV conversion has its challenges. “There are always challenges to a first-time EV conversion build,” John said, but his relationships with other builders and manufacturers in the industry helped him overcome them. With the project now 95% complete, John is still fine-tuning the details, but the Mustang is already fully operational. Bringing the car to Denver for the Electrify Showoff wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. “The recognition we received there was a huge milestone for us,” John shared.
Beyond the technical aspects of the build, John’s story with his ‘66 Mustang is also deeply personal. Having served in the US Navy during the Vietnam era, from 1969 to 1975, he knows a thing or two about patience and perseverance, which are traits that have been essential throughout this project. His military background in data systems also provided a unique perspective on the technical side of EV conversions, helping him approach the task methodically.
A 1966 Ford Mustang Blends Classic Nostalgia with EV Innovation
John’s Mustang is a symbol of what can be achieved in EV customization. Through his company, Fuel2Electric, John is committed to helping others through the often complicated process of EV conversions. As John explains, “converting classic vehicles to electric takes money, time, patience, and knowledge to do it right and safely. That’s why we started Fuel2Electric.” Beyond building a car, he’s passionate in creating a business that supports and grows a community of EV enthusiasts, which is clear in everything he does.
Ultimately, John Wilson’s 1966 Ford Mustang EV build represents more than just a cool, silent ride down memory lane. It’s about blending nostalgia with innovation, showing that classic cars can have a place in a cleaner, more sustainable future. Whether you’re into Ford Mustangs, EV conversions, or just love the idea of taking a piece of automotive history and giving it a new life, John’s build is an inspiring example of what’s possible.
So, next time you see a classic car cruising by, think twice, because it might just be an EV in disguise, quietly and powerfully rewriting the rules of the road.
For more information on Electrify Showoff Driven by Yokohama Tire, visit www.electrifyexpo.com/showoff and follow on social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube.
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2024 Electrify Expo Schedule
| Date | Location |
| March 16-17 | Orlando, FL (new location for 2024) |
| May 4-5 | Phoenix, AZ (new location for 2024) |
| May 31-June 2 | Long Beach, CA |
| July 13-14 | Denver, CO (new location for 2024) |
| August 24-25 | San Francisco, CA |
| September 14-15 | Seattle, WA |
| October 12-13 | Long Island, NY |
| November 8-10 | Austin, TX |
OWNER/VEHICLE DETAILS
Owner: John Wilson
Location: Fayetteville, AR USA
Vehicle: 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe
Horsepower: 240 HP and 324 lb-ft torque
Company: Fuel2Electric
Facebook: Fuel2Electric
Instagram: Fuel2Electric
Linkedin: Fuel2Electric
ELECTRIFY SHOWOFF AWARDS
| Show | Category |
| Electrify Showoff Denver, CO 2024 | Best Interior, presented by Lunar Plus |
VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
| Category | Description |
| Powertrain/Performance Electronics | Dual AC Netgain Hyper 9 HV Inline Motors, 10 Tesla Model S 5.2 kWh Modules, Hyper-Drive X144 Controllers, SpeedHut EV Gauges, 52 kWh Battery Pack, Custom Battery Boxes, Thunderstruck BMS, Elcon 6 6kW Charger, Ampere EV HV Junction Box |
| Range | 150 Miles (estimated) |
| Wheels & Tires | Custom 15” Mustang Wheels |
| Brakes | 4 Wheel Disc Brakes w/ Regenerative Braking |
| Chassis & Suspension | Mustang II Front Suspension, Modified Ford Explorer 8.8” Rear Axle |
| Exterior | Silver Blue |
| Interior | New (OEM Style) |
| Audio & Multimedia | 1964-1966 Mustang Radio With Bluetooth USA-740, 100 Watt JBL Amplifier, 6.5” Coaxial Front Speakers, 6×9 3-Way Rear Speakers |
| Shops & Mechanics | Southern Street Machines, N. Little Rock, AR |
John Wilson’s 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe Photo Gallery
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IMAGES: ELECTRIFY EXPO, FUEL2ELECTRIC
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