WATCH: Fifty cordless drills propel Russian Lada

NOVOSIBIRSK (Russia): Who would have guessed drills can propel a car? A Russian YouTube channel known as Garage 54 has drawn over 600,000 views since Jan 26 with a video showcasing a Lada (but of course!) converted to run on 50 cordless drills.

The project sees each drill retaining its own battery and linking into a simplified circuit, avoiding the need for pricier electronic components.

Despite early sparks and melted tape, heavier wiring was installed to withstand the high current flow.

The team, who previously created a V16 chainsaw-powered Lada, made extensive modifications, including reinforced mounts and tensioners.

Once assembled, the improvised motor, resembling a radial aircraft engine, connected to a manual gearbox.

An indoor test run revealed overheating issues with the wiring, but after fortifying connections, the vehicle was driven outside at minus 30 degrees Celsius.


Although the car’s top speed remained modest due to belt slip and friction, the battery packs continued to function effectively in the extreme cold.

Garage 54 estimated that each drill’s second-speed setting produces around 22Nm of torque, suggesting the combined output could exceed a whopping 1,000Nm.

However, losses within the system reduced overall performance in practice.

Even so, the electrified Lada demonstrated enough power to move unaided, indicating potential for further adjustments to optimise speed and reliability.

Although no definitive horsepower figure has been confirmed, the combination of torque values hints at surprising capabilities for such an unorthodox build.

Garage 54 fans await results to learn if this "EV" can achieve higher speeds.

The Lada is made by Russian automaker Avtovaz.  The company doesn't have an electric car but it has presented prototype and concept EV projects in recent years such as the  “e-Largus” concept in 2022 based on the Lada Largus.