Purple Tesla Model 3 Flashes Away with 400 RGB LEDs

Tesla owners are notably proud of their vehicles, and certainly with some justification. The simple drivetrain and massive amount of torque is interesting from a mechanical standpoint, while those that think more in terms of electronics and software can’t help but be impressed by the bevy of automated features and sensors onboard. On the other hand, one could argue that they’re still a bit too expensive to be practical, or that not having thousands of tiny explosions taking place under your hood makes it less…exciting? We’ll leave that discussion, however, to actual automotive publications.

What we’re looking at here, though, is a decidedly purple Tesla Model 3, modded out with 300 — no 400! — programmable RGB LEDs under the chassis and front bumper. It uses an ESP8266-based board, which allows owner Nate McComb to log on and choose between 59 different lighting patterns. It’s hooked up to the Tesla’s 12 volt batter through a fuse, then converted to 5V so the LEDs don’t burn out.

While details of the build are fairly slim, it’s not too hard to find info on driving LEDs with this type of hardware. If you have the skills and fortitude to trick out a brand new Model 3 like this, one would have to assume the electronics for this hack would be fairly straightforward. Speaking of hacking, McComb notes that the device’s SSID is “TeslaLED,” if you just happen to see a purple Model 3 driving around. On the other hand, don’t get too excited, as there’s a manual switch inside the vehicle!

[H/T: InsideEEVs]