A 1932 Ford EV Coupe with an Electric Powertrain

The Story of Current Electric Vehicles and the EV Deuce

The 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe is one of the most iconic hot rods of all time—a symbol of speed, style, and rebellion. But what if you could capture that same spirit with instant torque and zero emissions? Enter Brian Dilley, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur turned EV hot rod innovator. After a career in tech that included pioneering startups like Flipagram and Blockfolio, Dilley turned his attention to a new challenge: merging classic car culture with cutting-edge electric power. The result? The EV Deuce—a stunning, all-steel ‘32 Coupe that keeps its vintage looks but hides a modern EV heart.

The Early Years of Brian Dilley

Before Dilley became a pioneer in the EV hot rod movement, he was just a car-loving kid wrenching on his first build—a 1979 Buick LeSabre. In high school, he worked as a parts tech and cashier at Chief Auto Parts, where he not only learned the ins and outs of the automotive world but also sharpened his problem-solving skills by helping customers troubleshoot their cars right in the parking lot.

Yet, Dilley’s true passion lay in software. At just 12 years old, he began programming on an Atari 800, crafting simple text-based games known as “MUDs.” His curiosity soon led him to hacking, including creating fake AOL accounts to access free internet. This self-taught ingenuity in coding and computer skills ultimately launched him into web development just as the dot-com boom was taking off.

Dilley’s talents soon caught the attention of tech executives, and he was flown from Idaho to San Francisco for his first taste of Silicon Valley. He joined the startup LowerMyBills.com, which was later acquired by Experian, and continued working with various startups. One of his biggest successes came with Flipagram, an app that soared to the #1 spot in 80 countries. With backing from tech industry giants John Doerr and Michael Moritz, Flipagram ultimately played a key role in what would later become TikTok.

For Dilley, this wasn’t just an EV conversion – it was about paying homage to tradition while embracing the future.

Following Flipagram, Dilley co-founded Blockfolio alongside Silicon Valley mogul and World Series of Poker bracelet winner Ed Moncada. Blockfolio, a cryptocurrency portfolio tracking app, was later acquired by FTX. In 2022, Dilley left the company, closing the chapter on his startup career and setting the stage for his next big venture—building the premier EV conversion shop in Los Angeles.

The Spark Behind Current LA

Dilley’s shift from tech to automotive wasn’t entirely unexpected. His brother-in-law, Rudy Robles, and longtime friend and neighbor, Bryan Garst, were both car enthusiasts. Garst, with a deep fabrication background, had owned a fabrication shop and spent years working on hot rods. His passion for building was sparked by his first car, a ‘73 Ford Capri, which eventually led him to fully rebuild the engine of a ‘63 VW Bug Ragtop.

Dilley’s vision of merging classic car culture with EV technology took shape when he acquired two ‘57 Chevys—one to restore as a gas-powered tribute to his father and the other to electrify at the challenge of his daughter (previously featured in EV Builders Guide). This idea quickly evolved into an ambitious plan: building three EV hot rods for the 2020 SEMA Show:

A ‘32 Ford Deuce Coupe – the quintessential hot rod

A ‘57 Chevy Bel Air – the ultimate classic cruiser

A ‘69 Camaro – the epitome of muscle car heritage

At the time, Dilley was working with an out-of-state company to complete the builds, but costs quickly escalated. Despite investing nearly $300,000, by the time SEMA 2020 arrived, the cars were barely finished—pushed onto the showroom floor, far from the vision he had imagined.

When the company requested an additional six figures to complete the projects, Dilley made a bold decision: he would take matters into his own hands and start his own EV company.

Building an EV Legacy

In December 2021, Dilley officially founded Current Electric Vehicles, bringing Garst on board for his fabrication expertise. Robles also played a key role, overseeing the construction of a dedicated 4,500-square-foot EV workshop behind one of Dilley’s properties. By 2022, Current Electric Vehicles was fully operational, with the team setting their sights on electrifying the ‘32 Ford Deuce Coupe as their first project.

The ‘32 Ford Deuce Coupe is an icon, immortalized in George Lucas’ American Graffiti and deeply embedded in hot rod culture. For Dilley, this wasn’t just an EV conversion – it was about paying homage to tradition while embracing the future.

What began as a personal project has grown into a trailblazing EV conversion company, seamlessly merging classic automotive heritage with cutting-edge technology.

Unlike many modern EV conversions, Current Electric Vehicles’ EV Deuce stays true to its roots with an all-steel 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe body—no fiberglass replica here. Every detail is designed to maintain the classic hot rod aesthetic while seamlessly integrating cutting-edge EV technology.

At first glance, the build appears to be a traditional gas-powered hot rod, thanks in part to the Webb Motorworks engine block, complete with faux Stromberg carburetors. However, this cast-aluminum block is more than just a visual tribute—it cleverly houses part of the battery system, inverter, DC-to-DC converter, charger, VCU, and a sophisticated cooling system, all while preserving the iconic look of a vintage V8 engine.

Powering the EV Deuce is a Cascadia SS-250 motor, delivering 300 horsepower and 500Nm of torque. The full battery system consists of a 10kWh front pack and a 30kWh rear pack, creating a 450V, 40kWh setup. This custom water-cooled battery pack, managed by an Orion BMS, provides an estimated range of 80–125 miles, depending on driving conditions. True to Current Electric Vehicles’ signature craftsmanship, even the coolant fill ports feature custom-machined caps, adding a unique finishing touch.

Inside, the EV Deuce balances modern functionality with a minimalist, period-correct feel. A 5-inch AEM digital display replaces traditional gauges, providing key metrics like speed, state of charge, and system performance while keeping the dash clean and uncluttered.

What truly sets this build apart, however, is its THOR Electric Exhaust system. While adding sound to EVs is a controversial topic, this system—fully integrated with the VCU—allows the driver to “rev” the motor at stoplights, mimicking the sound and feel of a classic combustion engine. The result? A hot rod that doesn’t just look the part but sounds and performs like a true street machine.

The Road Ahead

True to the hot rodder’s spirit, the EV Deuce is always evolving. Recent upgrades include a Dynam Labs Vehicle Control Unit and QA1 shocks, improving both performance and ride quality. Looking ahead, potential modifications include re-gearing from 3.73 to 4.56, shifting the focus from maximizing range to delivering an even more aggressive, high-torque driving experience. This evolution would bring the EV Deuce even closer to its roots—transforming it from a well-balanced modern EV into a true electric hot rod, fully embracing the spirit of classic performance.

What began as a personal project has grown into a trailblazing EV conversion company, seamlessly merging classic automotive heritage with cutting-edge technology. Current Electric Vehicles isn’t just electrifying cars—it’s preserving history while redefining the future of hot rodding.

For those looking to follow their journey, Current Electric Vehicles regularly showcases their builds at events and shares updates through their social channels (@current.losangeles). The future of EV hot rodding has arrived, and in Los Angeles, Current Electric Vehicles is leading the charge.

Words and photos by Dan Coronado