Leno points out that the highly-stylized components under the hood give the car an interesting look that often doesn’t happen with ICE-to-EV conversions. Ward remarks that these efforts help support this Mercury’s “SoCal hot rod vibe.” Meanwhile, dual-motor placement where the transmission usually would be and additional battery storage in the trunk help provide weight balance.
The EV system uses a Tesla Performance 85kWh battery array to deliver 150 to 200 miles of range and a 1.5-hour full recharging capability. Combined output specs for the system are 400 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, according to ICON data. It’s a transmission-less arrangement that promises a 120-mph top speed.
Cleverly, a CHAdeMO charging port stays hidden under the front license plate, while a Tesla Supercharger plug gets placed beneath the original rear fender fuel door.
Driving Into The Future
Why Jay Leno Envisions the 1949 Mercury Coupe as the Electric Vehicle Restomod for the Future