Ultra-Rare 1997 Chevy S-10 EV Found on Facebook Marketplace
A Glimpse into the Past of Electric Pickups
It’s a rare find, but a 1997 Chevrolet S-10 Electric truck has surfaced on Facebook Marketplace. This electric truck harkens back to a time when electric vehicles (EVs) were just starting to make their mark on the market.
The Unique Features of the Chevy S-10 Electric
The Chevy S-10 Electric was one of the early EV models from the 1990s. It featured a front-wheel-drive system derived from GM’s EV1 program. Despite its modest 114 horsepower output due to weight considerations, this electric truck offered an intriguing driving experience, reaching 50 mph in 13.5 seconds and topping out at 71 mph.
The Evolution of Battery Technology
Similar to modern EVs, the S-10 Electric housed its batteries in the truck’s ladder chassis rails. The standard model featured a 15 kWh lead-acid battery array, with an option for a 29 kWh nickel-metal-hydride pack for extended range. Charging was facilitated by an inductive “Magne Charge” paddle, a shared technology with the original Toyota RAV4 EV.
The Rarity of the S-10 Electric
With only 492 units produced, the S-10 Electric shared a fate with the EV1, most of which were leased and subsequently recalled and destroyed. However, a handful of S-10 Electrics, including number 145, have survived. The one currently for sale in Peru, Indiana, is a significant piece of electric vehicle history.
Present-Day Revival Opportunities
Although the original lead-acid battery pack on the truck is no longer functional, an aftermarket upgrade to LFP batteries can extend the range to over 150 miles. This upgrade comes at an additional cost of nearly $12,000 on top of the $15,000 price tag for the truck, which is missing its tailgate but retains its Magne Charge paddle.
A Glimpse into the Future
Investing around $30,000 in a rare piece of electric vehicle history like the Chevy S-10 Electric offers a unique opportunity, especially given the current landscape of high-priced electric pickups. Preserving such a significant piece of automotive history might just be the right move for enthusiasts looking to own a piece of the EV evolution.
If you have any tips or questions, feel free to reach out to the author at james@thedrive.com.
Conclusion
The 1997 Chevy S-10 Electric, a true gem from the early era of EVs, offers a rare glimpse into the evolution of electric vehicles. With its unique features, limited production, and the opportunity for modern upgrades, owning this piece of history could be a rewarding experience for electric vehicle enthusiasts.
FAQs
1. How many Chevy S-10 Electrics were produced?
Only 492 Chevy S-10 Electric trucks were manufactured, making them exceptionally rare and sought after by EV collectors.
2. How can the range of the S-10 Electric be extended?
By opting for an aftermarket upgrade to LFP batteries, the range of the S-10 Electric can be extended to over 150 miles, providing a more practical driving experience.
3. What is the significance of the Magne Charge technology used in the S-10 Electric?
The Magne Charge paddle technology enabled convenient and efficient charging of the Chevy S-10 Electric, showcasing an early example of wireless inductive charging in electric vehicles.