Kia Pride was a successful gas-powered hatchback car from the 90s and to celebrate the 80s anniversary of the brand's work in the UK, the team has restored the 1996 Pride 1.3 LX into what is now an all-electric restomod. This is a unique reimagined model of a classic family car into an EV form.
According to the brand, it is dubbed a "true socket rocket." The car has new elements in place of the various combustion components in the form of a powerful EV powertrain and elements retained from the original include the five-speed manual transmission and the drive shafts. The new iteration of the Pride as almost double the power of the first design with 107 bhp and 173 lb-ft of torque.
Image Credit: Kia
What's Driving This Trend
- All-electric Restorative Conversions
- Transforming vintage cars into electric vehicles catering to nostalgic car enthusiasts while embracing sustainability.
- EV Retrofit Technology
- Modernizing classic automobiles with cutting-edge electric powertrains merging historical charm with technological advancement.
- Classic Car Electric Upgrades
- Providing enhanced power and performance to cherished vehicles from past decades by integrating advanced EV systems.
Who This Affects Most
- Automotive Manufacturing
- Potential growth in converting existing classic models into electric versions offers new revenue streams and market segments.
- Electric Vehicle Engineering
- Engineering firms specializing in electric powertrain systems stand to gain as demand for vintage electrification rises.
- Automotive Restoration
- Restoration shops can expand their services by offering EV conversion options for classic car collectors and enthusiasts.
