How OEM manufacturers see the electric future of hot rodding

How OEM manufacturers see the electric future of hot rodding 

There were a pair of battery–powered vehicles shown at original equipment manufacturers stands at the 2019 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Are these the leading edge of hot rodding's electric future?

Chevrolet’s “E-10 Concept” demonstrated General Motors’ vision of the future of hot rodding with a 1962 C-10 pickup truck powered by an electric Connect & Cruise concept crate propulsion package offering approximately 450 horsepower, using proven components from the Chevrolet Bolt EV.

The E-10’s Connect & Cruise concept propulsion system is composed of a double stack of Chevrolet Performance concept electric crate motors (eCrate), two 400-volt batteries and a conventional SuperMatic™ 4L75-E automatic transmission. The double stack eCrate motor replaces the truck’s original gas engine under the hood and is connected to the automatic transmission, which transfers torque to the rear axle. Power to the drive stack comes from the pair of independent Chevrolet Bolt EV power electronics and two production Bolt EV battery packs. Mounted in the truck’s bed, each offers 60 kWh of usable energy under a hard tonneau cover.

With an estimated 450 horsepower to the rear wheels, the concept electric propulsion system helps the E-10 deliver 0-60 mph times of around 5 seconds; and quarter mile times in the high 13 second range. To help this modern hot rod have “that sound,” the E-10 has a sound emulator with three speakers - one that simulates induction sound in the front and two to replicate that growl  of V-8 engine in the back of the vehicle with the sounds automatically adjust to the changing of the gears to mimic an internal combustion engine.

The Ford 2019 SEMA display featured the Mustang Lithium powered by a Phi-Power dual-core electric motor and dual power inverters – all powered by an 800-volt Webasto® battery system with EVDrive Technology. 800 volts is twice the voltage of most electric cars on the road today. This allows the system to be lighter, more powerful and generate less heat, and more electric force.  

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company 

The Mustang Lithium features a manual transmission - the Getrag MT82 6-speed transmission with billet internals to handle the 900 horsepower and 1,000 foot/pounds of torque. Ford Performance half shafts and Super 8.8 Torsen® differential help supply power to the road via lightweight 20-inch Forgeline wheels wearing Michelin® Pilot® Sport 4S tires.

Additional features include the Ford Performance Track Handling Pack and strut tower brace, Brembo six-piston front brakes from the Shelby GT350R, Sankuer Composite Technologies side splitters and rear diffuser, plus a  custom Webasto hood with see-through polycarbonate windows, TurboDX charging solution and TurboCord level 2 portable charger.

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company 

Mustang Lithium features a unique set of drive modes that apply a controlled amount of torque for different driving scenarios including: Valet, Sport, Track and Beast, and are accessed via the in-dash 10-inch touchscreen display.

Photos by the author except as noted.