Classic 1960s and '70s Ford Broncos get transformed into 600-horsepower electric SUVs by this California startup

Mar 12, 2020, 19:25 IST

What if you could have all the cool factor of a classic Ford Bronco, without all the fuss of maintaining it? That's the niche Zero Labs aims to fill with its awesome electric Bronco restomods.

Last April, the California-based company came out with its first car — an all-electric, carbon-fiber-bodied Bronco based on the first-generation (1966-1977) SUV.

Now it's back with a new model and an updated platform to build it on.

On March 10, Zero Labs announced that customers will now be able to choose between a steel body and a carbon-fiber one for their electrified, first-generation Bronco.

The carbon-fiber models sport a custom-made Zero Labs-branded grille ...

... while the steel versions will have the classic Ford emblem up front.

Zero Labs will build both models on a new chassis architecture, which offers some serious upgrades over the prior model.

The original car sported solid axles, but the new platform boasts independent suspension in both front and rear.

The new models ride on adjustable, coil-over Fox shocks, and a height-adjustable air-ride suspension is optional.

Plus, Zero Labs built its new chassis to offer a perfect 50/50 weight distribution.

The new cars can be ordered in either a single-motor or dual-motor setup, with the latter serving up a whopping 600 horsepower, according to Zero Labs.

They come outfitted with a 70-kWh battery pack...

... that allows for a claimed range of 190 miles.

They also come with fast-charge and regenerative-braking capabilities.

Last year's model sported a five-speed manual gearbox — highly unusual for electric vehicles — but Zero Labs' new Broncos have an automatic transmission.

Zero Labs says its new Broncos will have a "digital transfer case"...

... that allows drivers to toggle between all-wheel drive and a range-extending two-wheel-drive setup.

For the interior, buyers can choose between carbon-fiber and wood paneling...

... and between leather or vegan upholstery.

The Zero Labs Bronco also comes equipped with a retro-styled, digital gauge.

Plus, unlike the previous model, Zero Labs' latest Bronco will be available in both hard-top and soft-top body styles.

Not to mention, Zero Labs says it revamps each donor Bronco by incorporating more than 1,000 newly designed components and claims that thousands of hours of labor go into each car.

The first of Zero Labs Automotive's new Broncos are currently in production, with deliveries starting in late 2020.

Zero Labs' steel-body Broncos start at $185,000, while its carbon-fiber models go for $240,000 and up. Pricing varies between builds, since Zero Labs builds each car to order — a fully loaded carbon-fiber Bronco can push $400,000.

Zero Labs' steel-body Broncos start at $185,000, while its carbon-fiber models go for $240,000 and up. Pricing varies between builds, since Zero Labs builds each car to order — a fully loaded carbon-fiber Bronco can push $400,000.

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Classic 1960s and '70s Ford Broncos get transformed into 600-horsepower electric SUVs by this California startup

What if you could have all the cool factor of a classic Ford Bronco, without all the fuss of maintaining it? That's the niche Zero Labs aims to fill with its awesome electric Bronco restomods.

Last April, the California-based company came out with its first car — an all-electric, carbon-fiber-bodied Bronco based on the first-generation (1966-1977) SUV.

Now it's back with a new model and an updated platform to build it on.

On March 10, Zero Labs announced that customers will now be able to choose between a steel body and a carbon-fiber one for their electrified, first-generation Bronco.

The carbon-fiber models sport a custom-made Zero Labs-branded grille ...

... while the steel versions will have the classic Ford emblem up front.

Zero Labs will build both models on a new chassis architecture, which offers some serious upgrades over the prior model.

The original car sported solid axles, but the new platform boasts independent suspension in both front and rear.

The new models ride on adjustable, coil-over Fox shocks, and a height-adjustable air-ride suspension is optional.

Plus, Zero Labs built its new chassis to offer a perfect 50/50 weight distribution.

The new cars can be ordered in either a single-motor or dual-motor setup, with the latter serving up a whopping 600 horsepower, according to Zero Labs.

They come outfitted with a 70-kWh battery pack...

... that allows for a claimed range of 190 miles.

They also come with fast-charge and regenerative-braking capabilities.

Last year's model sported a five-speed manual gearbox — highly unusual for electric vehicles — but Zero Labs' new Broncos have an automatic transmission.

Zero Labs says its new Broncos will have a "digital transfer case"...

... that allows drivers to toggle between all-wheel drive and a range-extending two-wheel-drive setup.

For the interior, buyers can choose between carbon-fiber and wood paneling...

... and between leather or vegan upholstery.

The Zero Labs Bronco also comes equipped with a retro-styled, digital gauge.

Plus, unlike the previous model, Zero Labs' latest Bronco will be available in both hard-top and soft-top body styles.

Not to mention, Zero Labs says it revamps each donor Bronco by incorporating more than 1,000 newly designed components and claims that thousands of hours of labor go into each car.

The first of Zero Labs Automotive's new Broncos are currently in production, with deliveries starting in late 2020.

Zero Labs' steel-body Broncos start at $185,000, while its carbon-fiber models go for $240,000 and up. Pricing varies between builds, since Zero Labs builds each car to order — a fully loaded carbon-fiber Bronco can push $400,000.