These are the most innovative EV concepts presented at the SEMA 2022 conference

Las Vegas was the venue for this year’s annual conference of the Specialty Equipment Market Association. The event is billed as one of the largest car shows in the globe and typically attracts more than 135,000 people from the automotive aftermarket to view the latest trends in vehicle repairs or modifications.

EVs were a major focus this year. The event featured a dedicated space for EVs, labeled “SEMA Electrified,” and according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal It was 740% larger than the 2019 version. A variety of EV concepts were presented by major automakers. Here are some that stood out.

Ford brought 10 vehicles to SEMA, including three electric vehicles based on the Mustang Mach-E or F-150 Lightning.

Next up is the Mustang Mach-E True Mustang PersonaDom Tucci Design, Tucci Hot Rods and Kay Automotive Graphics created the vehicle. The vehicle, which is based on a dual-motor 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, features a muscular custom lift-gate spoiler, fender arches with 3D-printed fender flares, vacuum-formed transparent wheel covers, and a 3D-printed front lip.

Next up is the Ford F-150 Lightning Race SupportMotor City Solutions and Real Truck built this pickup. Equipped with an air compressor, leveling kit, off-road recovery boards, and Recaro seats along with a fully mobile toolbox and welding equipment, Ford says that this electric pickup is “equally at home on the road and at a Baja race as a support vehicle.” 

The F-150 Lightning Swiss Army KnifeTjin Edition and Thule built it. Ford calls it a “jack-of-all-trades” with its solar charging capability, portable air compressor, refrigerator, console vault, Recaro front and rear seats, and Thule cargo accessories. Two Super73 e-bikes mounted on the back of the truck offer some options for those who prefer two wheels to four.

Ford saysIts personalization and accessories business has increased 40 percent over the past two year, with the Bronco being its most accessorized vehicle.

VW was awarded SEMA’s first-ever Electric Vehicle of the Year prize for its ID.4 crossover. The ID.4 was chosen by show exhibitors for its flexibility, ability to handle different terrains, and for being a shining example of what electric vehicles have to offer.

Two ID.4-based concepts were presented by the automaker, one of which it calls a Mobile Drone Response vehicleThe drone response vehicle has a big roof rack to hold large drones. The Tennessee Valley Authority will make use of the drone response vehicle. They have a goal to operate a 100 percent electric fleet in 2030. The ID.4 modified is very eye-catching. It has a customized storage unit for drones and field equipment as well a portable battery station.

The ID.4 Accessories conceptThe Thule Canyon Basket can be used to transport gear, and the Apex XT 9025XT hitch mounted bike rack is included. Splash guards protect the 18-inch wheels with H&R Trak Plus wheel spacers and 245/60R18 all-terrain tires.

The Japanese automaker didn’t come to play. SEMA received two new concepts from the Japanese automaker: 1987 Sunny restomod running a Leaf engine as well as a pretty unusual looking Ariya Surfwagon woodieWith teal hubcaps, and two surfboards up the roof.

Tommy Pike Customs in South Carolina created the California-inspired wagon. With a custom vinyl wrap and chrome trim, the Surfwagon features “smoothie” 20-inch wheels with white-wall tires, a custom roof rack, and a custom lowered suspension.

Sunny Truck will make you smile. Tommy Pike Customs has converted the 1987 truck to run on a Leaf Battery. The Leaf motor produces 147 horsepower, 236 pound-feet and 33% more torque than the Sunny’s original gasoline four-cylinder engine.

Mopar, Stellantis’ auto parts division, brought a bunch of concepts, including the Jeep CJ SurgeThis is an open-body, battery-powered vehicle which showcases the possibility of EV conversion kit for vintage Jeeps. The electromod is meant to give the automaker’s engineers a better understanding of EV parts kit applications, which could lead to a future product lineup for enthusiasts to convert their vintage vehicles to EVs.

A custom propulsion system powers the Jeep CJ Surge. Under the hood, you’ll find a scalable 400-volt, 200kW motor mounted to the frame. The 24 battery modules are contained in a custom-made shell that is mounted at the rear of the passenger compartment. The Jeep’s body is perched on 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, paired with a two-inch lift kit.

Jeep can also fit a custom roll cage or bikini top. The center console is from a JK Wrangler, which was built from 2007 to 2017. It features a rotary shift knob instead of the stock lever.