Hoffman's Badger is designed to take several forms, including a van, camper, pickup, and utility vehicle. Perhaps most uniquely of all, its purpose-built chassis houses electric running gear from a Tesla Model 3 sedan.
Here's what to know
The running demonstration vehicle made the trip to the show from Wisconsin under its own power. Kyle of Out of Spec Reviews (@OutofSpecReviews) toured the Badger at SEMA 2026 and spoke with Hoffman's CEO Jeff about the project in a YouTube video.
Jeff said Badger began converting gas-powered cars to electric including DeLoreans. While they found that to be a cool project, it was somewhat impractical, as the cars featured ancient tech that didn't suit modern driving.
Their new idea is repurposing modern vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 into completely different forms. This allows Jeff's new creations to go well beyond a Model 3 with modern features.
More background
First up was an off-road minivan, which Jeff showed off first before Out of Spec explores it themselves. He'd even driven the vehicle a healthy distance to the event while Supercharging along the way.
Kyle went inside the vehicle and looked at all the tech, including FSD, the touchscreen, and more. He noted that the vehicle features impressive towing capabilities.
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Visitors on YouTube were loving the idea, and one person referenced Johnny Cabs from the movie "Total Recall." Some were building out their own EVs.
"I'm currently converting a 1989 Toyota Space Van using Model 3 motor, battery, and lot of other stuff," one commenter wrote. "My Van looks a lot like this one, all the way to the quad rectangular head lights."
"Reminds me of when Simone Giertz made Truckla, but a more polished finished version," another person said.
"I saw this van at the Green River, Utah Supercharger last week," wrote a third viewer. "It was cool."
What's being done?
Jeff said the idea is to create kits that drivers can build out themselves, or fully built-out models that drivers can buy off the shelf. That allows some flexibility for drivers who want a DIY project, or just want a bespoke, unique EV.
Kyle expressed interest in taking a kit to create his own stretch, six-row vehicle.
"This is the coolest car at SEMA from my perspective," the creator concluded.
Where can I learn more?
Other electric conversions, pickups, and vans offer a look at the costs and practical uses of EVs.
• A Washington builder converted a Toyota pickup to electric for $7,785, mostly using secondhand parts.
• Slate's $24,950 electric truck asks buyers to accept less range for a lower purchase price.
• Rivian overtook Chevrolet in EV sales, with vans contributing the biggest share of its gains.
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