Lowrider Meets Electric: LA’s 1957 Bel EV

Current LA’s ‘57 Bel EV

A classic lowrider icon receives an electric heart from within the bustling city of Los Angeles. Brian C. Dilley’s brainchild, Current Electric Vehicles LA, has taken a monumental leap, transforming a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air into a Bel EV!

At the helm of this evolution is Brian C. Dilley and his team at Current Electric Vehicles, a visionary team who melds the allure of classic cars with sustainability in the new EV era. Their mission is simple: repurpose the past for the future without betraying the soul of an automotive icon.

Brian’s journey into EV conversions started not with a schematic or a blueprint but with an idea from his daughter. The family’s 1957 Bel Air would not be merely preserved; it should be transformed, electrified, and ushered into a new era. Work began in early 2022 and the Current Electric Vehicles’ story began.

At first glance, the ‘57 Chevy retains its classic silhouette, but lifting the hood and trunk reveals the core of the transformation. The Chevy’s beating heart—a custom-built battery box—was retrofitted to house 65 kWh of electric energy, distributed with 25 kWh in the front of the vehicle and 40 kWh in the trunk. NMC VDA 355 modules rest securely upon liquid-cooling plates, all shielded within a stainless-steel cocoon. Together, they deliver up to 125 miles on a single charge, monitored by the Orion BMS 2, ensuring efficiency and safety coalesce seamlessly.

This iconic ‘57 embodies Current Electric Vehicles’ philosophy: classic aesthetics, modern functionality, and sustainable innovation.

Safety is paramount in such an overhaul. Battery modules are encased within a stainless steel, impact-resistant enclosure. The cooling system—a vital feature for any high-performing EV—is a bespoke twin split cooling loop safeguarding both motor and battery packs against the rigors of performance and climate.

This custom-built battery set up feeds a CM200 inverter paired with the Cascadia Motion SS-255-115 motor. They were chosen for their reliability and power output. The result? A Bel Air that quietly boasts 300 horsepower/224 kW and 370 ft-lbs of instantaneous torque.

Inside, the vehicle whispers of a time past with an in-house installed period-correct interior, the tactile experience of retrimmed seats by Ciadella, and the visual authenticity of a 1959 Impala steering wheel. Yet, this classic ensemble harmoniously shares the cabin with modern accouterments—a Current LA digital dash display and LED indicator lights for system statuses. Meanwhile, the original column shift stands proudly, now enhanced with a custom detent actuator for seamless gear transitions.

Taking to the streets, the Bel Air’s ride quality benefits from a modern air suspension system provided by RideTech, adjustable to the driver’s preference.

Within the cabin, layers of Dynamat noise-dampening materials insulate the interior, establishing a quiet sanctuary from the bustling city outside. Current Electric Vehicles did not overlook the aural experience. The sound system, a 6:1 array featuring Infinity speakers managed by a Pioneer head unit, delivers concert-quality acoustics.

Rolling on Tradition

Taking to the streets, the Bel Air’s ride quality benefits from a modern air suspension system provided by RideTech, adjustable to the driver’s preference. No custom vehicle is complete without the perfect set of wheels and tires. This Chevy rides on 17-inch Truespoke straight lace wire wheels, with stopping power provided by Wilwood disc brakes—a nod to the vehicle’s performance-oriented spirit. The crowning glory, its Matador Red paint, has been meticulously preserved, with the vehicle’s exterior and interior restoration handled by experts to match the original 1957 specifications. The attention to detail extends to the interior fittings—a 1959 Impala steering wheel and a digital dash display, bringing together the past and present in a single glance.

This iconic ‘57 embodies Current Electric Vehicles’ philosophy: classic aesthetics, modern functionality, and sustainable innovation. This Bel Air, a symbol of electric conversion potential, invites enthusiasts and skeptics alike to witness the power and beauty of EV technology melded with classic design. The question isn’t whether classics, including lowriders, can adapt to the new era of electric mobility. Instead, it’s about how we celebrate the past by empowering it with the technology of tomorrow, and Current Electric Vehicles LA is leading the charge.

SPECS

owner

Brian C. Dilley / Current Electric Vehicles LA
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Year, Make, Model: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible Lowrider
Overall Vehicle Weight: 4,580 lb
Amount of Time to Build: 9 months

Powertrain and Performance

Motor Drive Unit: Cascadia Motion SS-250
Inverter: CM200 inverter
Estimated Power: 300 horsepower (225 kW)
Voltage: 400V system
Control System and Software: Proprietary system for electric powertrain management
Regenerative Braking: Yes, one pedal driving functionality

Battery System & Charging

Total Battery Capacity: 65 kWh total NMC VDA 355 modules
Front Pack: 25 kWh under the hood
Rear Pack: 40 kWh in the trunk
Pack Design: Webb cast-aluminum ‘engine block’ design incorporating the inverter and BMS
Cooling System: Twin split cooling loops for motor and battery packs
City Range: Estimated 125 miles on a single charge
Charger kW Charge Rate: Dilong 6kW
DC Fast Charging: NACS, availability to be announced

Chassis/Suspension

Air Suspension: RideTech
Rear Suspension Setup: 4-link
Wheels: 17-inch Truespoke straight lace wire wheels
Brakes: Wilwood disc brakes

Body & Paint

Color: Matador Red
Paint Shop: Specialist Restoration Company

Interior

Steering Wheel: 1959 Impala 13-inch steering wheel
Dashboard: Current LA digital dash display
Seats: Retrimmed by Ciadella
Noise Dampening: Dynamat installed throughout the cabin
In-house built LCD Display, original column shift with custom detent actuator
LED Indicator Lights: For displaying controller error codes and pre-charge light status
Ride height controller

Sound System

Head Unit: Pioneer
Speakers: Infinity speakers
Subwoofers: Part of the 6:1 speaker system
Amplifiers: Rockford Fosgate
Custom Subwoofer Box: Incorporating pieces from the original interior

Additional Information

Website: www.current-la.com