Ontario-based startup Arc Motor Company is transforming vintage cars into eco-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) using salvaged Tesla batteries.
Electrek reports that the company's first successful conversion is a revamped 1974 Ford Bronco, packing a punch with a price tag starting at $75,000.
Green Startup on the Rise
Spearheaded by Sloane Paul, the first woman in North America to lead a startup of this nature, Arc Motor Company is not only redefining classic car experiences but also championing sustainability.
Paul, with over 15 years of experience in major tech and engineering companies like Microsoft and Dyson, emphasizes the dual benefits of EV conversions: improved driving performance and a substantial reduction in carbon footprint.
"When you electrify a car, you're not only just making a better driving machine and more enjoyable and reducing the tailpipe emissions, but you're also reducing the amount of waste that goes into the landfill there scrapyard," Paul tells the local news.
The Ford Bronco EV Conversion
Arc Motor Company has taken a bold step by completing the electrical conversion of a first-generation 1974 Ford Bronco, showcasing its prowess in pairing classics with contemporary sustainability.
According to Tom Chep, the company's COO and engineer with a background in electrical engineering from renowned companies like Rolls Royce and Toyota, the Bronco EV boasts two electric motors, doubling the horsepower and torque of its original gas-powered counterpart.
Arc Motor Company creatively sourced used Tesla battery modules from a specialized wrecker to achieve this feat, building a custom battery pack for the Bronco.
With 75 kWh of energy stored in a hand-built steel box in the engine bay, the Bronco EV offers an impressive range of about 320 km (199 miles). While not reaching the levels of some modern EVs, it is more than sufficient for a day-tripper's delight.
The Cost
While the initial price for Arc's electric conversions starts at $75,000, the company anticipates lowering costs over time as parts and battery prices decrease. The versatility of Arc's technology is a standout feature; it is transferable to various classic cars.
Chep and Paul reveal that another exciting project on the horizon is the conversion of a "monstrous Power Wagon," showcasing the potential for expanding their innovative offerings.
Government Support and Environmental Impact
City News Toronto tells us that the Canadian Net Zero Emissions Accountability Act, in effect since June 2021, plays a crucial role in Arc Motor Company's mission.
The act aims to make all new vehicles on Canadian roads electric by 2035, aligning seamlessly with Arc's commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Federal Minister Filomena Tassi acknowledges ventures like Arc Motors as key players in achieving national emission reduction goals and attracting investments for a sustainable future.
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