Wisconsin Startup Unveils Hoffman Badger, a Tesla-Based Custom EV Platform
The Hoffman Badger debuted at SEMA as an 11-seat minibus, with sales expected to start next year at prices between $26,400 and $77,000.
Hoffman EV, a Wisconsin-based startup, has introduced the Hoffman Badger, a custom electric vehicle platform that repurposes hardware from Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The company aims to convert donor Teslas into various body styles, ranging from 11-seat minibuses to pickup trucks, leveraging existing Tesla components for power and connectivity.
What Happened
The Hoffman Badger made its debut at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, where it arrived under its own power using Tesla Superchargers along the route. The vehicle utilizes the donor car’s motors, seats, dashboard, steering wheel, and door handles, as well as the Full-Self Driving (Supervised) system and Supercharger compatibility. Hoffman installs these components onto a new chassis that raises the high-voltage battery pack by 1.5 inches and provides eight inches of ground clearance, improving the breakover angle for rougher terrain. The body is constructed from powder-coated aluminum with stainless steel or salt-spray-resistant coated fasteners, and the design features removable doors, roof, and most seats. The company claims it can produce approximately 100 units per year, though production details are still being finalized.
Why It Matters
Hoffman EV positions the Badger as a versatile option for buyers seeking alternative EV configurations, with pricing expected to fall between the Slate Truck and the Tesla Cybertruck, specifically $26,400 to $77,000. The vehicle will be available either as a ready-made unit or as a kit requiring the customer to source a donor Tesla Model 3 or Model Y. While no estimated range figures have been released, the company notes that the boxy design may result in lower highway range compared to the donor vehicles, though urban range could improve due to weight savings. Aerodynamic improvements are planned for the first quarter of 2027. This launch highlights a growing niche in the EV market for third-party conversions that utilize established manufacturer hardware to create specialized vehicles.
The Bottom Line
Hoffman EV’s Hoffman Badger offers a unique path to custom EV ownership by retrofitting Tesla components into new chassis designs. With sales expected to begin next year and a production capacity of around 100 units annually, the startup is testing the market demand for flexible, Tesla-compatible vehicles, pending further refinement of production and design details.
