Car enthusiast Jared Pink has uncovered a hidden gem from the late 90s in the form of the Chevrolet S10 Electric 1997. In a world where the Silverado EV of 2053 is a familiar sight, this S10 Electric is a unique blend of old-school charm and modern innovation.
General Motors, a pioneer in electric vehicles, predates Tesla’s rise. The GM-branded EV1 paved the way, though most were sadly sent to the crusher. However, the Chevrolet S10 Electric emerged as a tamer, more practical iteration, with 492 units produced from 1997 to 1998.
From Fleet to Private Hands
In contrast to the fate of the EV1, the S10 Electric found its way into the hands of fleet customers, with around 60 units escaping the grasp of General Motors Corporation. Some eventually made it into private ownership, including a particular example featured by The Questionable Garage YouTube channel, rumored to have served in the military.
With a hefty price tag of $33,305 when new, the electric Chevy truck wasn’t the most affordable or convenient option, given the limited availability of chargers. Despite these challenges, it found a place in utility companies and government agencies, with some surviving models passing into private ownership.
Technical Specifications
The S10 Electric, based on the regular S10, housed a 312-volt battery pack with 26 lead-acid batteries, weighing a total of 1,268 lbs. Despite its substantial weight, the truck boasted a payload of 951 lbs and a range of 43.8 miles. Later models featured a revised nickel-metal hydride battery, increasing the range to 95.3 miles.
The electric pick-up’s performance, while modest by today’s standards, featured a 0-50 mph time of 9.75 seconds. Its maximum speed of 69.3 mph left it just shy of its goal of 70 mph. Notably, a diesel generator was installed to heat the battery in colder temperatures.
Despite its age, a well-preserved example with only 7,634 miles has been discovered. However, Jared Pink plans a significant upgrade, intending to install a Tesla battery pack from a 2017 Model S into this rescued survivor.
# FAQs
## FAQ 1: How many Chevrolet S10 Electric trucks were produced?
A total of 492 S10 Electric trucks were produced between 1997 and 1998.
## FAQ 2: Were the S10 Electric trucks sold to individuals?
While most were sold to fleet customers, around 60 units ended up in private hands.
## FAQ 3: What was the range of the original S10 Electric?
The original S10 Electric had a range of 43.8 miles, powered by a 312-volt battery pack.
## FAQ 4: What upgrades were made to later models of the S10 Electric?
Later models featured a revised nickel-metal hydride 29-kWh battery, increasing the range to 95.3 miles.
## FAQ 5: What performance can be expected from the S10 Electric?
The electric pick-up boasted a 0-50 mph time of 9.75 seconds and a maximum speed of 69.3 mph, falling just short of its 70 mph goal.
