Chevrolet debuts 450 hp, all-electric ‘E-10’ 1962 Chevy truck at SEMA

Chevrolet debuts 450 hp, all-electric ‘E-10’ 1962 Chevy truck at SEMA

While we all love the sound of a rumbling Chevy V8, the future belongs to alternative-fueled vehicles and electric cars. With a bold new custom vehicle appearing this month at SEMA, Chevy proves that electrified future doesn’t have to mean settling for bland, boring trucks, SUVs and cars.

Called the E-10 Concept, the truck started as a stock 1962 Chevrolet pickup. Heavily modified in every way possible, the heart of the E-10 is a prototype “electric crate engine,” powered by readily-available battery packs from the Chevy Volt and producing big horsepower. Called “Connect & Cruise,” the electric engine package is a glimpse of future commercial offerings Chevrolet hopes to someday sell to customers looking to convert their gasoline vehicles to all-electric power, allowing you to blend the cool styling of yesterday with the cutting-edge propulsion of today.

“The Chevrolet E-10 electrified Connect & Cruise concept system reimagines the performance crate engine for hot rodders,” said Jim Campbell, vice president of Performance and Motorsports. “As General Motors continues to work toward our vision of a zero-emissions world, concepts such as this help us get there, while still supporting the enthusiasts who love to drive vintage vehicles.”

The E-10’s Connect & Cruise powerplant consists of two electric crate motors from Chevrolet Performance that replace the truck’s original V8, along with two 400-volt batteries hidden beneath the truck’s custom tonneau cover. Backed by a production-model Chevrolet SuperMatic automatic transmission, the engine delivers a dyno-tested 450 horsepower to the rear wheels, allowing the E-10 to rocket from zero-to-60 in just five seconds, while running the quarter mile in the high 13-second range — enough to hang with a 2020 Chevy Camaro SS on the drag strip.

“General Motors has the in-house talent required to create a concept like the E-10,” said Campbell. “With the innovative thinking and expertise our performance team, electrification team and many others at GM bring, this project went from concept to running vehicle in 18 weeks to demonstrate what the future of an eCrate propulsion system and hot rodding could look like.”

To make sure the E-10 had that throaty, hot rod growl, the truck includes three speakers that emulate the sound of a V8 engine, with the difference being that you can choose between various engine sounds including the LS7 Z28 Camaro with track tuning, LS7 Z28 touring turning, a futuristic sound or silent. When turned on, the engine sounds will automatically adjust when the transmission shifts, mimicking exactly the sound of a gasoline powered vehicle.

“The E-10 Concept builds on the experience and momentum generated by last year’s eCOPO Concept, taking the idea of a ‘crate’ electric propulsion system further by leveraging actual production components,” said Russ O’Blenes, director of Performance Variants, Parts & Motorsports. “It’s all still in the testing stage, but this concept brings the electric option for hot rodders much closer to reality.”

In contrast to its next-gen power, the exterior of the E-10 goes Old School Hot Rod Cool, accentuating the classic looks of the C-10 pickup with custom modifications galore, a lowered stance, 20-inch alloy wheels up front and 22-inch wheels in back. Inside, the original interior has been upgraded with a digital display and leather-trimmed seats.

Whether you’re looking to buy an all-electric vehicle in the future or not, you’ve got to admit that the C-10 is pretty awesome, not to mention a display of all the ingenuity and creativity that makes the custom car world so great. Ready to experience that same creativity in your daily drive? Then stop in today at McLarty Daniel Chevrolet for a test drive of a great 2020 Chevrolet vehicle, including the all-electric Chevrolet Volt. Or you can check out our full selection online right now at our website.