Engineer converts BMW i3 into compact electric pickup

Michael Pick, an American engineer and YouTuber, has completed a DIY conversion of a 2017 BMW i3 REx into a compact electric pickup truck. Seeking an affordable and sustainable alternative to his V6 Ford Ranger, Pick purchased a high-mileage i3 at an online auction for $5,800.

Because the i3 features a carbon fiber cabin on an aluminum structure, the conversion required significant structural modifications. Pick stripped the interior, removed the hatch, and cut into the cabin, subsequently designing a custom rear structure with steel reinforcements to support the new two-seater configuration. The cargo bed was constructed from plywood treated with heavy-duty penetrating epoxy and a bedliner to ensure it remains weather-resistant.

The vehicle utilizes the REx (Range Extender) system, which includes a 647cc two-cylinder gasoline engine that generates electricity when the battery is low. Pick estimates the converted vehicle has an electric range of approximately 160 kilometers, increasing to over 540 kilometers when utilizing the range extender. To maintain access to the engine located under the bed, the cargo surface is designed to be removable.