Love that old pickup but hate the gas guzzling and fumes? Then trade in the noxious growl for a nice, clean hum by converting the beast to lightning. Think of it as a heart transplant: For anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000, an expert like Left Coast Conversions' Reverend Gadget will swap out your old internal-combustion block for an electric engine. Or you can do it yourself for $8,000 to $12,000. (Forgoing the traditional lead-acid route for higher-powered lithium-polymer batteries is where you'll see the tab spike.) "It's pretty easy," says the Reverend. "It takes only three to five days to convert a vehicle." Alas, the process doesn't work on automatic transmissions, but that's the only logistical obstacle—besides a few grand lying around—between you and a cleaner automotive conscience. You could quadruple your vehicle's energy-transfer rate, get up to 200 miles off every charge, and actually be faster from zero to 60 (!), but the best part will be your license to use the line "Electric—that's how I roll." For additional info, and to locate a qualified mechanic, visit go-ev.com. —GORDY MEGROZ

Photo by Dina Rudick/Redux