Electric Revolution: Flash Drive Motors’ 1980 Subaru Brat Conversion

Flash Drive Motor’s ‘80 Subaru Brat

When considering a conversion to electric, the Subaru Brat hardly ever comes to mind—there is a reason for that. It is rare, but not in the most noble way, as it  did not have a particularly iconic style, design, or following. However, a set of brothers in Austin, Texas, decided a 1980 Subaru Brat would be an ideal base, and we could not fault them for thinking out of the box!

We met the Flash Drive Motors team in the city of Coupland in the Lone Star State. They are led by brothers James and Dan Fleischman, who are passionate restorers and electric vehicle enthusiasts. They’ve definitely brought a unique twist to the classic Subaru ‘pick-up that’s not a pickup’. The Fleischmans’ connection to the Brat is deeply personal. Their father taught them to drive in one, and they continued to use it through high school and college. When Flash Drive Motors decided to venture into the EV space, the Brat seemed like the perfect candidate for their initial build. The goal was to create something unique and pay homage to their father’s legacy.

The Fleischman brothers grew up with a deep love for classic cars, balancing college and careers while dedicating their free time to collision repairs and restorations. Late-night, last-minute rushes to prepare cars for the Lone Star Roundup became a cherished tradition. These experiences fueled their passion and set the stage for their future endeavors.

Their turning point came when they realized that converting classic cars to electric could offer the best of both worlds. They could preserve the timeless beauty of these vehicles while enhancing them with the reliability and performance of electric motors. This realization led them to fully commit to the idea of saving classic cars, one EV conversion at a time.

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Convincing classic car enthusiasts to embrace electric conversions required patience and perseverance. Yet, the overwhelmingly positive response to their electric Subaru Brat validated their efforts. Transforming an unreliable, gas-guzzling vehicle into a dependable, exhilarating ride showcased the potential of EV conversions. Despite occasional criticism from purists, they remain steadfast in their mission. Their history in restorations and weekend racing is a testament to their love for cars, regardless of the power source. They’re confident that their work today will place them at the forefront of the electric conversion movement.

Flash Drive Motors specializes in converting pre-90s classic cars to electric power. Their extensive experience in automotive restorations, combined with their passion for classic cars, sets them apart. They didn’t just jump into electric conversions; they built upon years of knowledge to offer comprehensive services. For those just starting out, their advice is to pursue your work with passion. Passion translates into quality, and that’s what makes a product exceptional. Stay curious, learn from others, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. By sharing knowledge and collaborating, we can elevate the field and drive the industry forward.

The Origins and Philosophy of Flash Drive Motors

Flash Drive Motors started with a deep-seated passion for classic cars and a keen interest in sustainable technology. The company’s mission is to breathe new life into classic vehicles by converting them into electric cars. Their focus on pre-1980s classics stems from a love for timeless designs and the challenge of modernizing them while preserving their original character. James, co-founder of Flash Drive Motors, brings a wealth of experience and a heartfelt approach to each project. His background in mechanics and a lifelong enthusiasm for cars, combined with Dan’s technical expertise, forms the backbone of their company. The brothers’ unique blend of skills allows them to tackle complex conversions and restorations.

Acquiring the Brat

The search for the right Subaru Brat led them to Amarillo, Texas, where they found a pair of Brats for $800. One was in decent shape, while the other was only good for parts. Despite the challenge, the team was excited to breathe new life into the neglected import truck. The Subaru Brat, known for its quirky rear-facing seats, was initially designed to bypass the American import tax on pickup trucks, known as the “chicken tax”. These seats were supposed to be removed at the dealership, but many remained intact, adding to the Brat’s unique look.

Restoring the Brat was no small feat. The team at Flash Drive Motors stripped it down to its unibody shell, addressing rust and other damage. They then applied a fresh coat of the factory Miami Blue paint and reproduced the original decals. The goal was to preserve the Brat’s classic aesthetic while preparing it for its new electric heart. The meticulous restoration involved a complete teardown, from stripping the paint to refurbishing every component. Flash Drive Motors prides itself on its attention to detail and commitment to authenticity, ensuring that each restored vehicle not only looks original but also performs at modern standards.

The E-Conversion

The heart of this transformation is the NetGain Hyper 9 motor, a popular go-to, relatively budget-friendly choice in EV conversions. Initially, the Brat retained its original four-speed manual transmission, linked to the Hyper 9 motor via a custom adapter. This setup allowed the Brat to maintain its four-wheel-drive capabilities.

The power source for the electric Brat comes from five Tesla Model S modules, providing a combined capacity of 31.5 kWh. These batteries are managed by an Orion Battery Management System and charged using an ElCon 3.3 kW charger. The result is a vehicle with a range of about 100 miles, with the potential for slightly more through regenerative braking.

James and his team faced several challenges during the conversion. One of the biggest was the lack of available adapters for the Subaru Brat, as no one had done such a conversion before. They had to rely on the open and welcoming EV community for guidance, receiving significant help from individuals like Adam Lancing from Dallas.

The ‘Flash Drived’ Subaru Brat is a joy to, well, drive. It boasts a 0 to 60 time of around nine seconds, significantly faster than its original gasoline-powered version. The combination of electric power and the Brat’s lightweight design makes for a surprisingly quick and responsive vehicle—even if the suspension is rather on the soft side.

Inside, the Brat remains true to its roots. Flash Drive Motors has kept the original dashboard and gauges, integrating a custom-designed gauge driver that allows the electric system to interface with the traditional instruments. This subtle integration ensures that the car maintains its classic charm while providing the driver with all the necessary information about the electric powertrain. The charging port is cleverly hidden in the original fuel filler location. Just like the rest of the conversion setup, it ensures that the process is fully reversible, even though the duo do not expect anyone to want or need to go back to gas—the original performance was  underwhelming to say the least.

Flash Drive’s Vision of the Future of Conversions

Flash Drive Motors specializes in converting pre-1980 classic cars to electric power. Their work goes beyond just the mechanical aspects; they also restore the vehicles to ensure they are structurally sound and visually appealing. This comprehensive approach ensures that the cars are not only environmentally friendly but also roadworthy and enjoyable to drive. James and Daniel envision a future where more classic cars, including other Subaru Brats, are converted to electric power. While the market for electric Brats might remain niche due to the vehicle’s relatively low value, the principles and techniques developed by Flash Drive Motors can be applied to a wide range of classic cars, especially ‘60-80’s European cars, for which they have a serious passion, from VW Bugs to Mercedes Benz.

Brat Community

The Subaru Brat community, initially skeptical, has warmed up to the idea of electric conversions. The success of James’ project has opened up possibilities for other enthusiasts to consider similar transformations. The cooperation within the EV community and the support from fellow enthusiasts have been crucial to the project’s success. By merging the charm of a classic vehicle with the benefits of modern electric technology, James and his team have created a unique and inspiring example of what’s possible in the world of EV conversions—proving that with enough passion and time, anything can be converted to electric!

For those interested in following the journey of the electric Brat and other exciting projects, Flash Drive Motors shares their builds on their YouTube channels with hilarious videos, so do not miss them!

SPECS

General Information

• Year: 1980
• Make: Subaru
• Model: Brat
• Color: Miami Blue Metallic
• Conversion by: Flash Drive Motors, Austin, TX

Electric Powertrain

• Motor: NetGain Hyper 9
• Controller: NetGain Hyper 9 Controller
• Battery Modules: Five Tesla 6.3 kWh modules
• Total Battery Capacity: 31.5 kWh
• Battery Management System: Orion
• Charger: ElCon 3.3 kW

Performance

• 0-60 mph: ~9 seconds
• Range: Approximately 100 miles
• Transmission: Original 4-speed manual (custom adapter for electric motor)
• Drive Configuration: Four-wheel drive
• Restoration Details:
• Body: Stripped and repainted in original Miami Blue
• Interior: Restored to original specs with functional gauges adapted for electric system
• Special Features: Rear-facing seats retained, original decals reproduced

Additional Features

• Charging Port: Located in original fuel filler location
• Regenerative Braking: Yes
• Unique Aspects:
• Historical Significance: Tribute to the owner’s father and homage to the classic Subaru Brat
• Community Impact: First electric conversion of a Subaru Brat, showcasing innovative EV adaptation techniques

Company Information

Company Name:
Flash Drive Motors

Website:
www.flashdrivemotors.com

Social Media:
Instagram and YouTube channels featuring build updates and other projects