How Did a Garage Door Motor End Up Powering a Ford Falcon?
You read that right—a garage door motor, the kind that quietly hums your garage open every morning, is now at the heart of a Ford Falcon’s drivetrain. The folks at Garbage Time, known for their wild automotive experiments, decided to see just how simple and fast an electric vehicle (EV) conversion could be. Their solution? Skip the expensive, high-tech EV motors and bolt a garage door opener straight to the Falcon’s differential. The result? Pure magic. Not in the sense of blistering speed or Tesla-level range, but in the sheer audacity and creativity of the build.
What’s the Real Point of This Wild EV Conversion?
At first glance, this might seem like a joke or a stunt for internet points. But there’s a deeper message here. The traditional path to EV conversion is often intimidating—think custom battery packs, complex wiring, and price tags that make your wallet weep. By stripping the process down to the bare essentials, Garbage Time is making a point: EV conversions don’t have to be rocket science. Sometimes, the best way to learn is to get your hands dirty and experiment, even if the result is more about proof-of-concept than practical daily driving.
How Does It Actually Work?
Let’s break it down. The team took a standard garage door opener motor and physically attached it to the Falcon’s rear differential. No fancy adapters or custom electronics—just some clever welding and a willingness to see what happens. The motor draws power from a basic battery setup, and the whole thing is controlled by a simple switch. It’s not going to win any drag races, but it does move the car under its own power. For anyone who’s ever wondered what the absolute minimum requirements for an EV are, this is your answer.
Is This Approach Safe or Practical?
Let’s be honest: this isn’t a kit you’ll find at your local auto parts store. Safety, reliability, and long-term durability aren’t the main goals here. In fact, most experts would caution against driving a vehicle with such a setup on public roads. But as a learning tool or a weekend project, it’s a fascinating exercise in creative problem-solving. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, most successful EV conversions rely on purpose-built motors and robust safety systems. This project flies in the face of convention, but it’s not meant to replace best practices—just to inspire new ways of thinking.
What Can DIYers Learn From This Experiment?
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, this project is a goldmine of inspiration. It shows that you don’t need a six-figure budget or a degree in electrical engineering to start tinkering with EV technology. The key takeaway is to start small, experiment, and learn by doing. Even if your first attempt is a little rough around the edges, you’ll gain valuable experience that can be applied to more ambitious projects down the road. And who knows? Maybe your next garage project will be the one that sparks a new trend in low-cost EV conversions.
Could This Spark a New Wave of Simple EV Conversions?
There’s a growing movement among car enthusiasts to make EV conversions more accessible. According to a 2023 report from the International Energy Agency, global interest in electric vehicles is at an all-time high, with DIY conversions gaining traction as battery prices fall and technology becomes more user-friendly. Projects like this one challenge the notion that EVs are only for big automakers or tech giants. They remind us that innovation often starts in the garage, with a handful of tools and a wild idea.
What’s the Big Takeaway for Everyday Drivers?
The big takeaway? EV conversions aren’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Whether you’re swapping out a part, learning a new skill, or just rethinking what’s possible, the journey to electric doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is a garage door motor, a bit of courage, and the willingness to try something new.
