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Eston Smith went through a significant shift in his quest for purpose around three months ago.

Smith has just one year remaining on his U.S. Army contract. Currently, he is based at Fort Benning where he serves as a robotics liaison. Maneuver Innovation Lab , a role that imbues him with a strong sense of purpose. Additionally, he is working on launching his own business on the side. Rovium Based in Phenix City, he specializes in transforming vintage automobiles into electric vehicles (EVs).

The thing I cherish the most about service is having a clear sense of purpose," Smith stated. "The greatest concern I have when leaving the Army to work in the defense sector or take up an engineering role at a desk job is that I am certain I would miss that sense of purpose, which would lead me to feel unfulfilled.

He mentioned that his moment of clarity struck him in one of the least expected locations. On a pleasant, sunlit winter afternoon, he had stopped his modified Chevrolet 1951 electric concept vehicle at a Lowe’s parking area to pick up some final supplies. Upon returning outside, he found that a group had gathered around his pickup truck.

There must have been around 20 to 30 individuals representing various backgrounds and societal positions," Smith mentioned. "It amazed me how everyone wore big smiles, simply due to an impressive vintage car showcasing elegant lines, distinctive attributes, and so much more.

In 2023, Smith purchased his initial classic vehicle, a 1951 Chevrolet, for $5,000 when residing in Washington State. He had long dreamed about restoring this truck and intended to leverage his expertise from his mechanical engineering degree; however, he was not interested in taking the conventional path of installing a contemporary motor.

People often install contemporary V8 engines in these trucks, which is impressive, but it's basically like building an incredibly pricey LEGO set," Smith stated. "It doesn’t involve much innovation. You purchase all the components online and follow an instructional guide for assembly. What I aimed to achieve was entirely novel—something nobody has ever attempted before.

Following his investigation, he opted to convert his truck into an electric one. Smith mentioned that he collaborated extensively with someone who owns a business supplying components for electric vehicles. Michael Bream of EV West , to bring his concept to reality.

I've always been fascinated by innovation from a young age," Smith stated. "It's simply awesome to combine elements in ways that others haven't thought of yet.

Rovium technology

Rovium automobiles begin as bare essentials, with the majority of their components being crafted and installed personally by Smith.

Smith exclusively uses Tesla Model S Motors used in Rovium vehicles span from a compact model generating 264 horsepower to a robust drive unit delivering 495 horsepower. According to Smith, he can interact with these motors via an iPad for adjusting their output as needed. Despite Tesla facing political challenges within the U.S., Smith remains unconcerned about gaining access to their technology.

In regard to Tesla's current position in politics, I'm not concerned about the company failing," Smith stated. "The only scenario where I wouldn't receive the motors would be if something catastrophic happened to them. These motors are sourced from damaged Teslas.

Smith also individually crafts theصند frame , or frame, for Rovium vehicles. His aim for Rovium is to shift towards manufacturing production-style Vehicles, which refers to the large-scale production of uniformly designed vehicles for daily usage.

I can build an entirely new frame and replace everything with brand-new components so that I'm not restoring cars," Smith explained. "Instead, I am constructing new vehicles that appear as though they're vintage 1950s pickup trucks.

Production-style vehicles can be quite costly to manufacture, Smith mentioned. He disclosed that he put in an extra $10,000 for crafting the bespoke frame and front suspension of his vehicle.

Smith is also increasingly becoming YouTube The channel focuses on chronicling the conversion of his upcoming project vehicle—a Chevy 3100 pickup—into an electric car. His aim with this content is to teach viewers how they can perform similar modifications themselves.

All my knowledge on constructing and creating items comes from various open-source resources such as YouTube and valuable guidance from mentors throughout my journey," Smith stated. "My ethical principles compel me to reciprocate this support, which includes uploadingYouTubevideos for others to benefit from and learn.

Environmental impact

Smith made this decision strategically—not just because these engines have the potential to create speedy automobiles but also due to their environmental implications. Smith approaches this with a practical perspective.

Any non-renewable fuel source will eventually deplete over time, irrespective of one's political stance. This reality holds firm," Smith stated. "The key inquiry then shifts to, 'When exactly will this depletion occur?'

Smith stated that electric vehicles represent the efficient solution. He elaborated that utilizing natural energy sources such as solar and wind for power generation is the most effective approach. Therefore, according to him, electric cars stand out as the straightforward answer.

The sun is the most consistent power supply on our planet," Smith stated. "The simplest method to utilize this energy for transportation is to have it move directly from the sun to a solar panel and then to a vehicle.

Smith is pleased with his truck and mentions that electric vehicles are "quite enjoyable."

The sole aspect that isn't shared is the fact that electric vehicles don't produce the rumbling sound, and many folks enjoy this; I get where they're coming from. Personally, I find it appealing as well," Smith stated. "Still, these minor compromises mean I can operate my dream vehicle, cut down expenses related to travel and upkeep, and simultaneously avoid releasing CO2 into our environment. Everyone benefits.

Rovium’s future

Smith aims to keep expanding his enterprise as a career. Once he completes work on his Chevy 3100, he plans to restore a 1970s Porsche next.

Smith is broadening his enterprise to encompass bespoke modifications. Orders can be placed through the Rovium EV website .

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