Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast

Episode 504: Special Guest: Unplugged Performance’s Ben Schaffer

10 snips
Mar 30, 2025
Ben Schaffer, founder and president of Unplugged Performance, discusses his company's innovative modifications for Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck and Model Y. He shares insights on their unique projects, such as converting Tesla cars for police use through the UPfit program. The conversation shifts to the engineering advancements of the Cybertruck and the creative customization possibilities for Tesla vehicles. Schaffer also reflects on the evolution of his business, emphasizing a commitment to societal good in the electric vehicle space.
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ANECDOTE

Ben's Automotive Background

  • Ben Schaffer's background is in Japanese car tuning, starting 25 years ago.
  • He was even in the first Fast and Furious movie and launched Bulletproof Automotive.
INSIGHT

Unplugged's "Cheating"

  • Unplugged Performance can "cheat" by not following mass-production rules.
  • This allows them to create more specialized and efficient modifications for Tesla vehicles.
ANECDOTE

Model Y Robotaxi Revelation

  • Ben's experience in a driverless Model Y changed his perspective on robotaxis.
  • He realized that existing Teslas are essentially robotaxis, just in a different form factor.
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