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Chevrolet uses the Bolt’s electric guts to build a Hot Wheels-like classic truck

Chevrolet traveled to the annual SEMA show to announce which side it’s on in the debate surrounding electric classic cars. The company introduced a concept car named E-10 that puts an electric spin on one of America’s most emblematic trucks.

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The E-10 concept started life as a 1962 C-10, a model which occupied roughly the same spot in the Bowtie’s range as the Silverado 1500. The C-10 performed a variety of jobs, from hauling produce on farms to helping contractors build entire neighborhoods. Its hauling days are over, because the space in its cargo box is now occupied by a pair of 60-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery packs. They’re stock, production-sourced units borrowed from the Bolt.

The truck’s total capacity checks in at 120 kilowatts, which might be a hint of what Chevrolet has in store for its upcoming electric truck. Range hasn’t been announced yet, but we know the motors zap a pair of motors into motion. They send 450 horsepower to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission, a setup which is simultaneously extremely futuristic and old-school as hell. No longer a humble farm truck, the E-10 takes five seconds to reach 60 mph from a stop.

The battery-powered drivetrain is complemented by visual updates that make the E-10 eligible for a spot in the Hot Wheels catalog. It’s painted orange, it’s much lower than stock, it’s fitted with LEDs, and stylists added new-look bumpers on both ends. Step inside, and you’ll notice Chevrolet updated the original, analog instrument cluster with digital displays. Leather upholstery — which the original C-10 could only dream of — adds a finishing touch.

The idea of electrifying a classic car rubs some enthusiasts the wrong way, but it’s a practice that might become a lot more common in the coming years. Chevrolet is considering offering the parts needed for an electric swap as a bundle; buying the parts would be as straightforward as ordering a crate engine. There’s no word yet on when the package will be available, or how much it will cost, but don’t expect it to come cheap. In other words: Stay tuned if you want to get rid of your carburetor.

Ronan Glon
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
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