Real Projects. Real Impact.

Over 80 male and female students from MINDDRIVE, working out of Operation Breakthrough’s Ignition Lab, have completed a truly unique project: the conversion of a classic 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS into an electric vehicle (EV). This is the world’s first student-built electric muscle car. With guidance from MINDDRIVE instructors, students learned hands-on technical skills by adapting a Tesla Model S drivetrain to fit the ’69 Chevelle, which required custom fabrication and suspension work, as well as modifications to the vehicle’s frame.

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69 Chevelle SS87 Electric Muscle

MINDDRIVE acquires a 1969 Chevelle SS from a seller in Springfield (MO) who had recovered it from a field.
The team begins a a complete frame off restoration and replaces 60% of the rusted metal.
The frame was bent near the front passenger side. The team built a frame table and straghtened the frame before beginning the fabrication modifications.

    Ground-Breaking Project

    1 The journey begins! Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce stands proudly with the iconic 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS before the transformation into an electric muscle car begins. This moment marks the start of an ambitious project, bringing together MINDDRIVE students and Kelce's 87 & Running foundation to create something extraordinary—a powerful statement of innovation, education, and sustainability.

    2 Rolling up his sleeves, Travis Kelce gets hands-on alongside our students, helping to remove the Chevelle's body panels. This critical stage of the project gave the students firsthand experience in automotive disassembly while working directly with one of their role models. Together, they started the meticulous process of converting a classic into a cutting-edge electric vehicle.

    3 After meticulous sanding, the Chevelle SS is prepped and ready for its primer coat. This critical step ensures a smooth and flawless surface for the final paint job. Students learned the importance of attention to detail in bodywork, taking the time to prepare the car for its new, modern look while maintaining the integrity of its classic design.

    4 Behind the scenes, the students tackled one of the most complex aspects of the build—modifying the Chevelle's frame. Precise cutting, welding, and reinforcing were necessary to accommodate the new electric drivetrain and suspension. This phase tested the students' fabrication skills as they worked to ensure the car would not only look good but perform as a high-powered EV.

    5 A pivotal moment in the conversion: the installation of the battery packs. This slide captures the students placing the heart of the electric powertrain into the Chevelle SS. As they secured the battery packs, they learned the intricacies of EV systems and the importance of precision engineering in making this classic muscle car a green machine.

    6 Innovation in action! The original sub-frame of the Chevelle SS was shortened by 11 inches to fit the car’s width and incorporate Tesla suspension arms, creating a custom motor subframe. This intricate modification showcases the students' ability to adapt modern electric technology to classic automotive design, pushing their engineering skills to the limit.

    7 In this slide, a mentor guides a student through the brake installation process, ensuring the safety and performance of the vehicle. As they work under the car, it's a moment of learning and collaboration that highlights the hands-on mentorship central to MINDDRIVE's mission—empowering students with practical skills.

    8 Inside the Chevelle SS, the students brought the car into the future with cutting-edge features. This shot highlights the new digital dashboard, A/C, power windows, and a powerful 1200W Bluetooth stereo system. The blend of modern amenities with the car's vintage style shows the full range of the students' technical and design capabilities.

    9 The transformation is complete! The final slide reveals the stunning result of months of hard work—a fully electric 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS. With its sleek design and modern electric powertrain, this car represents the future of automotive technology and the endless possibilities for the students who brought it to life.