Take a classic and iconic 4×4, restore it, and add properly updated modern amenities and an electric drivetrain. What you get is the Kindred EV Bronco.
This latest vehicle offering from Kindred Motorworks is making its debut at Monterey Car Week, specifically at Hagerty’s Motorlux event. The Mare Island, Calif., company is hoping to make a splash with its latest electrified restomod.
“The future of Kindred Motorworks is modernized, fully electric vintage vehicles,” said Rob Howard. “The Kindred EV Bronco ushers in this new era, delivering an incredibly user-friendly, zero-emissions experience wrapped in a timeless, iconic design. This is a thrilling moment, and there are many more to come.”
Electric-Powered Restomod
Using a donor 1966-1977 Ford Bronco, mostly for the VIN number, Kindred Motorworks updates every nut and bolt of the machine. The result is not only a cool-looking and extremely usable vintage 4×4, but also one that runs on electrons.
Under the skin of this Bronco is a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive electric powertrain. It has an 80kWh battery pack, which supports DC fast charging, and was developed in-house at Kindred to match the capabilities of a 5.0L V8 powertrain. The Kindred EV Bronco produces 402 horsepower and 492 pound-feet of torque (estimated).
Kindred EV Bronco Build
With all that power, the entire chassis and drivetrain also needed an overhaul. What Kindred has done is redesigned the chassis for independent front and a multilink coil-spring rear suspension. Beefy axles with limited-slip differentials also ensure the power is able to be put to the ground. A six-point roll cage helps keep everything rigid, and occupants safe.
Other modern luxury touches are power-assisted rack and pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes with regen, an automatic electric parking brake, and full LED lighting.
The frame is powder-coated, and the entire underside of the vehicle is undercoated. The pretty bits you see regularly, like the body, are offered in 11 colors, with either light cream or black accents. The interior floors and inside the wheel wells are sprayed with a textured coating that is color-matched to the body.
Not only do the doors come off like the classic, but a bikini top for open air, but shaded, motoring comes standard. A hardtop is also available for $15,000. Modern luxury touches abound, like a soft-open tailgate.
Kindred EV Bronco Inside
Inside this electrified restomod Bronco is premium everything, as you’d expect. Leather covers all the seats, with the front seats even being heated. Getting into the big Bronco is easy with the LED-illuminated automatic retractable steps.
On the dashboard, you’ll find cool retro-inspired LED gauges and a custom touchscreen infotainment center. Along with that, you get things like a backup camera, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. This restomoded classic Bronco even gets a Magsafe wireless charging dock.
To top it off, you get power windows, full HVAC with AC, and even keyless entry. Add in cupholders, removable carpeting, and a wood floor behind the seats and you have one cool retro-modern machine.
Kindred Motorworks
While the Kindred EV Bronco is the latest in the company’s offerings, it also offers an EV Chevy 3100 pickup and an EV VW Bus. All of these vehicles are now available to order. You’ll have to break open the big piggy bank, though, as the Kindred EV Bronco starts at $225,000.
To reserve your Kindred EV Bronco, just click on the “Reserve Today” button on the company’s website, choose some basic options, and plunk down a $1,000 deposit. First deliveries are expected in early 2025.
