The Chevrolet 3100 is now an electric truck.
Companies are springing up across the country to convert beloved classics into EVs. The latest is San Rafael, California-based Kindred Motorworks, which unveiled its latest creation, an electric Chevrolet 3100 pickup truck, on Thursday.
The 3100 is a Chevrolet half-ton pickup truck built between 1947 and 1953. Its design is iconic, but its driving experience could certainly be improved, making it an ideal candidate for EV conversion.
The electric hardware consists of a single electric motor that drives the rear wheels and produces a peak 294 hp. This motor is powered by a 74 kwh battery, which Kindred estimates has a maximum range of 200 miles. The battery is supplied by Kore Power of Idaho and takes about 9 hours to charge at home using a Level 2 charger.
Kindred is also updating other parts of the system to modern standards in a process commonly referred to as restomodding. Major updates include double wishbone front suspension, rack and pinion steering, 17-inch wheels, disc brakes, electronic parking brake, power windows, keyless entry, cargo bed-mounted power outlet and USB port supporting 1,000-watt, 120-volt power inverter, and more. Gear selection is done with a rotary dial.
Other features include air conditioning, heated bench seat with stowable center armrest, three-speaker audio system, touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, modern amenities such as a wireless charging pad for mobile devices, a rearview camera, state-of-the-art windshield wipers, and LED headlights for improved visibility. The instrument cluster also retains a classic look and features EV-specific information.
Kindred plans to begin production in 2024, with prices for the electric pickup starting at $159,000. The company plans similar conversions for the original Ford Bronco, Chevrolet Camaro, and Volkswagen Bus, and all Kindred EV conversions come with a one-year bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to remove reference to an available internal combustion engine. The Kindred Chevrolet 3100 is offered only with an electric powertrain.
