How much horsepower can a cordless drill produce? What about 50 of them working together? While we may never have an exact number, we now know it’s enough to move a full-size Lada—thanks to the creative minds behind the Garage 54 YouTube channel.
Previously, they experimented with using cordless drills as an unconventional power source, but the setup has since undergone extensive modifications. The most significant upgrade? A brand-new mounting system. As it turns out, hose clamps—while great for securing rubber hoses—aren’t exactly ideal for holding bulky drills on a steel frame.
To solve this, the team fabricated custom pipes to secure each drill in place, ensuring a more stable build. They also designed a complex pulley system, allowing the drills to channel their combined power efficiently. The final product looks almost like a radial engine from a WWII bomber.
Fitting this unusual setup into a Lada was another challenge. They repurposed the same car used in their V-16 chainsaw engine experiment—one that had already been stretched. However, even more length was needed to accommodate the new “engine.” And just for fun, they chopped the roof and gave it a fresh coat of paint. After all, if you’re making a drill-powered EV, why not add some style?
Rather than relying on a single battery pack, each drill uses its standard battery. If you think connecting 50 of them sounds risky, you’re absolutely right. Sparks flew during the bench test, but that didn’t stop the team from moving forward. The “engine” is hooked up to a traditional manual gearbox at the rear and welded securely to the car’s extended front end.
Instead of an accelerator pedal, a simple lever serves as a circuit breaker. Pushing it forward completes the circuit, engaging the motor. The initial indoor test showed promise—until it didn’t. The excessive current caused the wiring to overheat and melt.
While it’s not the most practical EV conversion, this drill-powered Lada is yet another wild and entertaining experiment from Garage 54.
