El Camino gets the electric treatment

   The term new for old has taken on a whole new meaning with GM's decision to provide access to its EV technology for other application...

 

 The term new for old has taken on a whole new meaning with GM's decision to provide access to its EV technology for other applications. 

A perfect example is this iconic Chevy El Camino ute, converted to run on electricity instead of gas. 

It's the work of hotrod mob Lingenfelter Performance Engineering. 

GM selected Lingenfelter as the first aftermarket company in developing the Certified Installer Program for the GM eCrate Electric Connect and Cruise system. 

This particular third-generation Chevy El Camino was converted to all-electric power over the summer and has since accumulated hundreds of test kilometres to validate the electric motor swap concept. 

“This OEM and aftermarket collaboration opens exciting new opportunities for the aftermarket performance community and will draw a new demographic of enthusiasts,” Lingenfelter's Mark Rapson, said. 

“The project not only validated the concept but demonstrated the excitement EV performance offers. The performance and fun factor of driving the car has impressed everyone who has had the opportunity behind the wheel.” 

Back in 2019, General Motors unveiled the all-electric E-10 Concept, a Chevy C10 pickup fitted with a 335kW all-electric powertrain and framed as a preview of the GM eCrate powertrain.

The Electric Connect and Cruise package revealed last year includes all components needed for a full, all-electric powertrain conversion, including a 60kWh lithium-ion battery, electric motor capable of producing 150kW, DC-to-AC power inverter, DC-to-DC power converter, controllers, wiring harnesses and a water pump. 

GM says it represents an exciting opportunity to extend EV technology to the aftermarket. 

It will enable customers to work with qualified installers through GM’s electric specialty vehicle modifier (eSVM) program who have been properly trained to replace a vehicle’s traditional internal combustion engine with a fully electric propulsion system. 

Proof-of-concept electric conversions include the E-10 pickup, K-5 Blazer-E, eCOPO Camaro, and Project X built in collaboration with Cagnazzi Racing’s eCrate Solutions Group. 

The electrified 1972 El Camino SS, developed with Lingenfelter Performance Engineering in Brighton, Michigan, represents the first independent installation of the concept eCrate package. 

It boldly ushers in the next generation of EV components from Chevrolet Performance, with the program set for launch in 2022. 

GM says this approach will enable it to expand its reach to a larger, more diverse group of commercial customers, helping organisations meet the growing demand for zero-emissions technology while achieving their own sustainability targets. 

The company estimates the total addressable market for electrification components could near $20 billion by 2030, as a growing number of industries introduce their own emissions reduction goals.

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