Icon has revealed
the latest member of its Derelict lineup, a 1949 Mercury Coupe that has been
converted to electric power while preserving the original patina and exterior
trim of the car. Adding the electric powertrain is a collaboration between Icon
and Stealth EV; this 1949 Mercury Coupe is powered by a dual electric motor
that offers the equivalent of 400 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque in a
transmission-less design.
he dual motor setup
is being fed by a Tesla Performance 85kWh battery array that has been “strategically
fit throughout the vehicle” in order to achieve the best possible weight
balance. Icon says that their electric Mercury Coupe can travel between 150 and
200 miles on a full charge. Recharging the battery back to full takes as little
as 90 minutes.
Icon has added a
CHAdeMO 125A fast-charger plug behind the front license plate and a Tesla
Supercharger plug in place of the original fuel filler, giving its lucky owner
more flexibility. The whole powertrain comes with an EV management system that
protects the batteries from overcharging and provides thermal management, among
other features.
con also had some
fun under the bonnet of their Derelict Mercury, creating a custom aluminum
construction that resembles the shape of a vintage V8; with the electric motors
mounted in the transmission tunnel, the custom aluminum construction is
actually housing the battery controllers and a few of the Tesla battery
modules. Even the wires feature custom cloth-braided sheathing, referencing the
original wiring loom.
Prior to getting an
EV transplant, the 1949 Mercury Coupe was disassembled completely, having all
rubber replaced with new parts and receiving insulation and sound-deadening
material wherever possible. The body then received a new chassis developed with
Art Morrison Enterprises, featuring independent suspension front and rear.
Icon’s new 1949
Mercury EV Derelict was commissioned by a longtime client and is currently on
display at SEMA.
