Old Bronco, New Tricks: Kindred Motorworks Unveils Ford Bronco EV Conversion
Image Credit: Kindred Motorworks.
Kindred Motorworks, the Bay Area wizards of automotive resurrection, have done it again. They've taken a classic Ford Bronco, ripped out its gasoline-guzzling heart, and replaced it with a pair of electric motors that would make many EVs blush. And they did it without ruining the Bronco's rugged good looks. That's not much different from giving your grandpa a hip replacement and a stylish new haircut - all at once.
Electric cars, hey? They're quiet, efficient, and about as exciting as watching paint dry. Well, some of them, at least. But this electrified Bronco is different. It's got the soul of a classic car with the heart of a futuristic machine. It's the automotive equivalent of a mullet - business in the front, party in the back.
This neo-classic bad boy boasts a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup that cranks out a respectable 402 horsepower and 492 lb-ft of torque. That's enough to get you from 0 to 60 mph in a time that would make your grandpa's dentures fly out. And with an 80 kWh battery pack, you can expect a range that'll get you from San Francisco to Yosemite down the scenic route, without breaking a sweat.
But the raw power isn't the focus here. Kindred Motorworks gave the Bronco a full modern makeover, with features like an LCD gauge cluster, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. They've even thrown in a touchscreen media center with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto because, apparently, even cowboys need to stay connected these days. And for those tricky parking situations, there's a backup camera to save the day.
Other notable features include full LED lighting, keyless entry, power windows and locks, heating, defrosting, and air conditioning. And for those who like to haul stuff, there's a wood bed floor with a modular cargo tie-down system behind the rear seats.
This sexy Bronco isn't just a one-off project, either. Kindred Motorworks is betting big on the future of electric conversions. They're planning to produce these electrified beasts alongside their conventionally powered models at their Mare Island facility. It's a bold move, but one that could pay off big time.
Image Credit: Kindred Motorworks.
So, the big question. What does all this mean for the future of classic cars? Well, it means that we don't have to choose between nostalgia and sustainability. For starters we can have our cake and eat it too. We can drive the cars we love without feeling guilty about stinking up the whole place. It seems like a win-win situation, but some people won't like it. I gotta say, it took me a while to change my mind about EV conversions.
The Kindred EV Bronco is a symbol of a new era. It is a car that's both old and new, classic and futuristic, nostalgic and sustainable. It's a car that bridges the gap between the past and the future. And it does it with buckets of style. It's a car that proves electric vehicles can be cool, stylish, and fun to drive. And most importantly, it's a car that puts a giant goofy smile on my face. I can’t wait to see what Kindred Motorworks comes up with next.
