Turning Back the Clock, Charging Forward: A Suzuki Samurai Goes Electric
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Turning Back the Clock, Charging Forward: A Suzuki Samurai Goes Electric

Lauryn Morris 1987 Suzuki Samurai Special Edition won Best SUV award at Electrify Showoff Denver
  • The 1987 Suzuki Samurai won “Best SUV” at Electrify Showoff Denver for its blend of vintage style and modern electric power.
  • Powered by a Netgain Hyper9 motor and five Tesla battery modules, the Samurai has a range of around 90 miles per charge.
  • The EV conversion was completed by Lauryn Morris with critical support from ASE-certified mechanic Sarah Lyon and fabricator Brett McAfee.

For most of us, the term electric car conversion might conjure up images of futuristic builds or high-end custom jobs, but Lauryn Morris and her team at NICE (No Internal Combustion Engine) are flipping that idea on its head.

Lauryn’s 1987 Suzuki Samurai, a vintage SUV bursting with personality, has been transformed from a gasoline-powered throwback to an all-electric custom build. This conversion project, done right in Los Angeles, CA, sheds light on the potential of converting older, more accessible vehicles instead of only focusing on brand-new EVs.

In Lauryn’s words, this project represents “the intention to explore and execute scaled ‘batch’ conversions of many identical vehicles at once.” The goal is to make EVs an affordable reality without the waste of traditional production.


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Design and Purpose: Making the Old New Again

The Samurai, known for its distinct boxy frame and lightweight build, provides an ideal foundation for EV conversions due to its compact structure and minimalistic design.

Lauryn chose this platform for both practical and philosophical reasons: “Suzuki Samurais are plentiful in the Southwest, they’re lightweight, and they have more personality than most modern SUVs,” she explained.

This unique approach has paid off in spades. Lauryn’s electric Samurai even won “Best SUV” at the Electrify Showoff Denver for its impressive mix of vintage style and sustainable tech.

With only about 120 horsepower (89.5 kilowatts) provided by a Netgain Hyper9 motor and a 26.5kWh battery pack made from five Tesla Model S modules, this Samurai may not be breaking any speed records, but it’s a capable, efficient, and family-friendly build with a range of about 90 miles, which is ideal for city driving and shorter trips.


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Technology and Specs: Under the Hood of the Suzuki Samurai

One of the most impressive aspects of this build lies in the carefully selected EV components, brought to life by Lauryn’s talented team. Leading the way was ASE-certified mechanic Sarah Lyon, whose hands-on expertise was key to wiring, assembling, and completing the complex EV system.

Joining her in the final stages was Brett McAfee, who fast-tracked the last touches, including fabrication, bodywork, and the vehicle’s retro wrap and vinyl graphics.

Lauryn Morris 1987 Suzuki Samurai Special Edition won Best SUV award at Electrify Showoff Denver

The result is a 1987 Samurai with high-performance components, like a Netgain Hyper9 motor paired with a HyPer-Drive X1 controller, delivering 120 horsepower (89.5 kilowatts). Dual Thunderstruck 2500 chargers power five Tesla battery modules for a practical 90-mile range.

“How clean and simple it is – both under the hood and outside the vehicle,” Lauryn noted, highlighting her goal to keep the Samurai’s classic look while turning it into a practical electric vehicle.


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The Road Ahead for NICE and EV Conversions

Lauryn’s journey with NICE is just beginning, with plans to offer batch conversions that scale up this approach to reach more drivers. This custom Samurai build shows that “there is an alternative to buying a new EV,” as Lauryn explains.

With California’s high vehicle population, NICE is focusing on Los Angeles first, with plans to grow into Northern California soon.

As Lauryn shared, “Many people don’t realize that their daily driver might be a great candidate for conversion.” By spotlighting a familiar, classic vehicle with a practical, accessible design, NICE offers families a look at what can be achieved through dedication, creativity, and a passion for sustainable driving.

For those interested in converting your own vehicle, visit www.nice.car to sign up and to stay updated on future projects and batch conversion availability.

For more information on Electrify Showoff Driven by Yokohama Tire, visit www.electrifyexpo.com/showoff and follow on social media – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube.

Award winners at Electrify Showoff Denver 2024

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2024 Electrify Expo Schedule

DateLocation
March 16-17Orlando, FL (new location for 2024)
May 4-5Phoenix, AZ (new location for 2024)
May 31-June 2Long Beach, CA
July 13-14Denver, CO (new location for 2024)
August 24-25San Francisco, CA
September 14-15Seattle, WA
October 12-13Long Island, NY
November 9-10Austin, TX

OWNER/VEHICLE DETAILS

Owner: Lauryn Morris
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Vehicle: 1987 Suzuki Samurai Special Edition
Horsepower: 120 hp (89.5 kW)
Company: NICE
Website: https://www.nice.car
Instagram links: https://www.instagram.com/hi.nice.car/


ELECTRIFY SHOWOFF AWARDS

ShowCategory
Electrify Showoff Denver, CO 2024Best SUV

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS

CategoryDescription
PowertrainNetgain Hyper9 Motor, HyPer-Drive X1 Controller, 26.5 kWh (5 Tesla Model S Battery Modules) Battery Pack, Dual Thunderstruck 2500 Chargers
Performance ElectronicsEnGage II Display (state of charge meter), EV Display by Dilithium Design, Dilithium Design Master Control Unit, Dilithium Design BMS, Thunderstruck Ground Fault Monitor
ExteriorVehicle Wrap Designed and Applied by Brett McAfee, B.L.Vinyl Decals
Mechanics & ShopsSarah Lyon, Brett McAfee


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IMAGES: ELECTRIFY EXPO

FTC: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. Learn more.

AUTHOR: 

RANDI BENTIA

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