When Tom Burick, a teacher at PS Academy in Gilbert, Arizona, informed his pupils that they had four weeks to create something that would typically take six months, they were not deterred. In reality, they welcomed the task and wanted to demonstrate their fortitude, and what they stated became the project’s theme: “We’re up for it!”
Tom collected 70 of his engineers, who are autistic kids, and prepped them for the task of developing a fully operating Tesla Cybertruck clone, but he made them aware of the test. While the project was initially scheduled to take six months to complete, Tom informed his pupils that they would now only have 28 days to finish it.
“We wanted to put our skills to the test,” stated one of the youngsters.
It all started with an idea and a decision: which vehicle would be the best fit for their stand at the Concours in the Hills auto show on February 4th?
“We wanted a car that was stylish, engaging, and thrilling,” Burick explained to Teslarati. “There is so much hoopla about the Cybertruck, we felt it would be a terrific vehicle to construct. “We didn’t want to make anything ordinary like a Corolla,” he laughed.
Then there was the execution. Burick and his team of engineers worked after school, on weekends, and whenever they could to achieve a single goal: one truck in four weeks.
They began with what is known as Pink Panther foam. It is a sort of foam insulation that is great for crafts since it is solid and sturdy, and it allowed PS Academy students to build the Cybertruck’s chassis without worrying about its strength.
The Cybertruck frame was then coated in canvas drop cloth and painted with grey water-based paint once the foam was removed. They installed several windows before moving on to the engine, electronics, drivetrain, and other components.
Burick and his team of engineers found that lithium-iron batteries were preferable for this purpose after conducting study. They installed two 12-volt motors, one for each rear tire, as well as an Amazon standard motor speed controller that serves as the accelerator. However, the students’ favorite aspect has little to do with performance and everything to do with enjoyment.
“The 400-watt music system is their favorite feature. It rattles the windows, which is by far their favorite feature,” Burick added.
Burick stated that the kids received assistance from a few local companies and groups that helped them reach the difficult deadline.
Not only did PS Academy receive support from the Tesla Driver’s Club Scottsdale, but Bespoke EVs contributed an initial $200 donation to get the project started, and AZ Metals, located in Mesa, Arizona, assisted with the steering system weld by shutting down their entire operation and dedicating an afternoon to the project.
“I don’t think we would have made the program if it hadn’t been for them.”
A DEADLINE WAS MEET
PS Academy Arizona attended the Concours in the Hills auto event on February 4th, where over 1,000 cars, including several Teslas, were on exhibit. Over 50,000 individuals attended the event, and over $430,000 was raised for Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
The Cybertruck made another appearance during Super Bowl weekend, this time at the Rock-n-Roll Car Show at the Pavillions at Talking Stick.
“More people gravitated toward our homemade Cybertruck than toward the $100,000 Teslas,” Burick explained. “It demonstrates the pupils’ originality and hard effort.
NOT YET COMPLETED
Despite the truck attending a few events, bringing awareness for a worthy cause, and demonstrating the incredible work ethic demonstrated by the children with autism, the work is far from done, according to Burick. “We’re only getting started; this is the springboard for larger things.”
The team will eventually add a rolling tech platform, which will include more electronics, headlights, taillights, driving lights, a center-dash screen similar to the genuine Cybertruck, more motors, tinting, and other features.
“We want to get the car out there,” Burick remarked. “We want to create a float and have the Cybertruck pull it. We’d love to see it in some of the local parades.” Overall, Burick is quite proud of his kids, who shown tenacity, ingenuity, and hard effort.
