1974 VW Thing Derelict EV By ICON 4×4
It’s quite unordinary for prominent outdoor vehicle customizers to try their hand at interesting low-key builds, but one Los Angeles-based company has found the perfect platform for their most recent project. With an intriguing focus on the implementation of new technology alongside a vintage chassis, California’s ICON 4×4 has unveiled their latest little monster — the 1974 VW “Thing” Derelict electric vehicle.
To mesh with ICON 4×4’s traditional heritage builds, the 1974 VW was outfitted from top to bottom with newly acquired parts while retaining the character of the original vehicle. A Pro-Street LSD and 437 ring/pinion couple with the small beast’s freshly administered radial tires, custom wheels, finely upholstered leather interior, and removable hard top to bring the vehicle into a modernized state. An original off-yellow paint scheme and HD front sway bars round out the VW’s exterior — but it’s what’s inside that counts. A set of 38kWh Lithium LiFePO4 Enerdel batteries and an AMR 210-horsepower motor combine with the vehicle’s Rinehart water-cooled controller for exceptional road presence. An Orion dual-BMS with 3kw onboard charging system from Zelectric replaces the “Thing’s” original fuel powerplant, giving the Derelict EV a clean and replenishable alternative to fossil fuels while providing up to 100 miles of range on a single charge.
