Bay Area producer of modernized vintage vehicles, Kindred Motorworks, kicks off Monterey Car Week by unveiling its long-awaited EV Bronco at Hagerty’s prestigious Motorlux event.
The Kindred EV Bronco joins the conventionally powered Kindred Bronco Heritage and Trail editions, and is the first fully electric Kindred vehicle that will be delivered to customers. Moving forward, all new Kindred Motorworks models will be EVs, as previewed by the upcoming Kindred EV VW Bus and Kindred EV Chevy 3100 pickup.
“We are so proud to showcase our EV Bronco here in Monterey,” said Kindred Motorworks founder and CEO, Rob Howard. “Customer enthusiasm for it has been high from day one. Now, after years of in-house development, we’re getting ready to put it into production alongside our conventionally powered Broncos at our Mare Island facility.”
The Kindred EV Bronco trades in the conventional model’s 5.0-liter V8 for a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain with an 80 kWh battery that supports DC fast charging. This system was developed in-house by Kindred’s engineering team, whose focus was delivering an all-electric model that matches the capabilities of the internal combustion variants. Estimated system output is 402 hp and 492 lb-ft of torque, pending further field testing and tuning.
Underpinning the Kindred EV Bronco is an independent front suspension and a multilink coil-spring rear. The frame is reinforced and powder coated. Wavetrac limited-slip front and rear limited-slip differentials are standard, as are rack and pinion steering with electric power assistance; four-wheel power disc brakes with regenerative braking; an automatic electric parking brake; and a six-point roll cage.
The EV Bronco’s body is available in 11 colors with either light cream or black accents, depending on the primary paint color selection. A color-matched spray texture is used on all interior floors and inside the wheel wells.
A bikini top is standard, and owners may also select an optional hardtop with a locking liftgate. The doors are removable and the tailgate incorporates a soft-open feature.
Inside, the Kindred EV Bronco features a host of upgrades. The LCD gauge cluster nods to the vehicle’s heritage with a design inspired by the original Bronco’s instrumentation. Custom leather upholstery adorns the heated front seats and rear buckets. All seating positions receive retractable three-point seat belts. Climbing into those seats is made easier thanks to the EV Bronco’s automatic retractable steps with LED illumination.
A premium audio system with subwoofer is controlled via the Kindred EV Bronco’s touchscreen media center which supports the car’s backup camera, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Comprehensive sound deadening helps ensure that system sounds great, and a standard Magsafe wireless charging dock ensures that owners’ smartphones stay powered up.
Every EV Bronco also features full LED lighting; keyless entry; power windows and locks; heating, defrost, and air conditioning; dual cupholders; and removable carpeting. Behind the seats is a wood bed floor with a modular cargo tie-down system.
“The future of Kindred Motorworks is modernized, fully electric vintage vehicles,” said Rob Howard. “The Kindred EV Bronco ushers in this new era by 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.”
