California-based EV start-up Zero Labs Automotive has unveiled a re-engineered classic Ford Bronco with an electric powertrain.
The electric version of the iconic 1965 4x4 features a brushless permanent magnet AC motor producing 277lb ft of torque and 434bhp – a 500% increase over the original straight-six petrol engine.
Power is sent to either the rear axle or all four wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, marking a break from convention for EVs, which typically make use of a single-speed transmission.
Zero Labs' first production vehicle stores its power in a 70kWh lithium ion battery pack, making it good for a claimed 190 miles of range.
The model's renowned off-road capability has been preserved with the installation of a two-speed transfer case, high-performance front and rear differentials, adjustable coilover suspension and Brembo six-piston disc brakes, while the styling has been recreated with newly fabricated carbonfibre body panels, which are claimed to be fitted with 4mm of tolerance.
Buyers can specify bespoke interior material options, with a range of sustainable and vegan-friendly finishes available. A digital instrument display features, but it has been designed to mirror the shape of the original analogue display.
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Claiming a 4mm tolerance for
Claiming a 4mm tolerance for body panels is not really a claim is it? More something to hide.
It is a shame it doesn't actually look more like a Bronco.
And what is the cost that is referred to several times in the comments?
Correction
Hi Felix - Zerolabs here. Thanks for the post. Some clarifications to your article
original chassisthe vehicle uses a new precision made TIG welded chassis, Custom Engineered 4-Link Suspension, Brembo 6 piston caliper brakes, Currie front and rear differentials and Adjustable FOX coil over suspension. What is original is the specs for the dimensions and mount points.
"the electric Bronco is said to retain 1000 original parts"We can see now how this could be confusing. We actually designed and engineered 1,000 new parts not kept them from the 50 year old original. We changed our language - thanks for pointing that out.
Cost We get it, and it's not for everyone. Since we can only make so many of them, we were inspired to make the best the world has ever seen. If we are to bring credibility to the category of classic electric, it has to be on the level of premium cars today.
thanks again
Zero Labs Team, Los Angeles California
I too love the idea and this
I too love the idea and this looks well done, just a shame they choose a base vehicle that can only be described as a crude pile of shite.
cortina
The bronco was as American as apple pie and Mum to the yanks, as was the cortina to the Brits. The 1st year base cortina was rough and unpolished... but a diamond nonetheless. And from that side of the pond, the yanks were completely chuffed with the brawny-go-anywhere motor.
What's crude to Us, is sometimes satisfyingly practical to the Americans... look at the corvette and mustang; they utilised 18th century leaf spring tech in their sports cars til the late 20th century.