Some automobiles inevitably grow to be misplaced to time, buried beneath a pile of extra
iconic or mass-produced fashions
. Whereas some have been celebrated improvements, others quietly disappeared from showrooms, forsaking solely whispers in automotive circles.
However every now and then, a truck emerges that leaves lovers scratching their heads, questioning why it by no means gained the eye it really deserved. This explicit Chevrolet, launched within the late ’90s, was forward of its time—a pickup truck, however for the (nascent, on the time) electrical automobile motion. Regardless of its groundbreaking nature, it stays one of many rarest vehicles ever constructed, with manufacturing numbers so low they make it virtually a fantasy.
The 1997 S-10 EV Was The Rarest Chevy Pickup Ever Made
1997 Chevrolet S-10 EV Manufacturing And Pricing
Manufacturing Years
1997-1998
Items Produced
492 Items
Authentic Worth
$33,305
Adjusted For Inflation
$66,275
GM Authority
In relation to uncommon pickups, Chevrolet has an extended historical past of manufacturing vehicles that cater to area of interest markets, however none have been as elusive because the S-10 EV. Launched in 1997, the S-10 EV was based mostly on the favored S-10 pickup platform however swapped out its conventional inside combustion engine for an all-electric drivetrain. Whereas different electrical automobiles have been within the experimental part, Chevy made the daring transfer to provide a small fleet of electrical pickups for most of the people.
What makes the S-10 EV stand out is its astonishingly low manufacturing numbers. Fewer than 500 models have been constructed, and most have been leased somewhat than bought outright. This shortage has made it one of many rarest automobiles ever to put on the Chevrolet badge, and discovering one at present is nearly unattainable. Most models have been returned to Chevrolet after their leases expired and have been subsequently destroyed, leaving solely a handful in non-public arms.
The S-10 EV Was A World-First
The S-10 EV wasn’t simply uncommon; it was revolutionary. Whereas at present’s market is flooded with electrical vehicles and SUVs, the late Nineteen Nineties have been a totally completely different panorama. Chevy’s choice to impress a pickup truck made it the primary automaker to supply an electrical truck for industrial use.
1997 Chevrolet S-10 EV Battery Specs
Producer
Delco Electronics
Battery
16.2 kWh Lead-Acid
Vary
Roughly 60 Miles
Charging Time
7 Hours (with a 240V charger)
GM Authority
Powered by a 114-horsepower AC induction motor paired with a 1,400-pound lead-acid battery pack, the S-10 EV could not have been performance-oriented, nevertheless it represented a serious leap ahead for electrical automobile know-how. The battery pack could possibly be absolutely charged in about 7 hours utilizing a 240-volt charger, and it provided a spread of roughly 60 miles on a full cost. By at present’s requirements, these figures may (and undoubtedly do) appear modest, however again then, they have been groundbreaking.
The S-10 EV was primarily focused at fleet clients, comparable to utility firms and authorities organizations. These patrons appreciated the truck’s zero emissions and low upkeep necessities. Nevertheless, Chevy’s choice to lease somewhat than promote the vehicles outright in the end restricted their attain.
The S-10 EV Had Loads Of Energy
1997 Chevrolet S-10 EV Specs
Energy
114 hp
Torque
140 lb-ft
Payload Capability
951 lbs
High Pace
70 MPH
GM Authority
Don’t let its electrical drivetrain idiot you into pondering the S-10 EV was underpowered. For its time, the truck delivered a good stage of efficiency. With 114 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, it had sufficient grunt to deal with on a regular basis duties like hauling mild cargo or navigating metropolis streets. In truth, its immediate torque supply—a trademark of electrical motors—gave it a shocking edge in stop-and-go site visitors.
The truck’s payload capability was rated at 951 kilos, making it sensible for small-scale industrial use. Whereas it wasn’t constructed for heavy-duty jobs, the S-10 EV proved that electrical energy could possibly be each purposeful and dependable. Drivers who bought behind the wheel typically praised its clean and quiet experience, a stark distinction to the noisy inside combustion engines of the period.
Regardless of its comparatively low vary, the S-10 EV’s efficiency metrics have been spectacular for a first-generation electrical automobile. It demonstrated that EVs could possibly be extra than simply experimental prototypes and paved the best way for future electrical vehicles.
Why The S-10 EV Solely Lasted Two Years
For all its innovation, the S-10 EV’s time within the highlight was short-lived. Manufacturing started in 1997 and ended simply two years later in 1998. So, what went fallacious?
One of many largest challenges was the fee. The S-10 EV was costly to provide, largely as a result of excessive value of its lead-acid battery pack. Leasing the vehicles helped mitigate prices for patrons, nevertheless it additionally restricted the truck’s market potential. Moreover, the vary limitations and lack of charging infrastructure made the S-10 EV much less sensible for a lot of potential patrons.
Components Holding Again The S-10 EV’s Potential
One other issue was the regulatory surroundings. The S-10 EV was developed in response to California’s Zero Emission Car (ZEV) mandate, which required automakers to provide a sure variety of zero-emission automobiles to adjust to state legal guidelines. When these laws have been relaxed within the late Nineteen Nineties, Chevy and different automakers scaled again their EV applications, successfully sealing the destiny of the S-10 EV.
Chevrolet additionally confronted stiff competitors from its personal lineup. The gasoline-powered S-10 was a confirmed workhorse with a loyal buyer base, and lots of patrons noticed little motive to modify to the electrical model. With restricted client demand and regulatory strain easing, Chevy had little incentive to proceed manufacturing.
The Silverado Intimidator SS Was The Rarest ICE Chevy Pickup Truck
2006 Chevrolet Silverado Intimidator SS Key Specs
Engine
6.0 liter V8
Energy
345 hp
Torque
380 lb-ft
Transmission
4L65E 4-speed automated
Items Produced
1,333 Items
GM Authority
Whereas the S-10 EV holds the crown as Chevy’s rarest pickup, the Silverado Intimidator SS isn’t far behind. Inbuilt 2006 as a tribute to NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, the Intimidator SS was a special-edition Silverado that mixed efficiency and exclusivity.
With just one,333 models produced, the Intimidator SS is a uncommon gem in Chevy’s truck lineup. It featured a 345-horsepower 6.0-liter V8 engine, upgraded suspension, and a bunch of beauty enhancements, together with distinctive badging and blacked-out trim. Just like the S-10 EV, the Intimidator SS was geared toward a distinct segment market, interesting to each truck lovers and racing followers.
Regardless of their variations, the S-10 EV and the Silverado Intimidator SS share a standard thread: they symbolize Chevy’s willingness to take dangers and push boundaries. Whether or not it’s electrification or high-performance design, these vehicles proved that Chevy wasn’t afraid to take a threat or two again within the day.
The S-10 EV’s Lasting Influence
General, the 1997 S-10 EV could not have been a industrial success, nevertheless it holds a particular place in automotive historical past as the primary electrical truck produced by a serious automaker. Its rarity, mixed with its position as a trailblazer for EV know-how, makes it a captivating chapter in Chevy’s legacy. Whereas the Silverado Intimidator SS comes shut when it comes to exclusivity, the S-10 EV stays unmatched as a logo of what may have been.
Immediately, with the rise of electrical vehicles like
the Silverado EV
and the
GMC Hummer EV
, it’s clear that the S-10 EV was forward of its time. Although its manufacturing run was transient, its influence proves that even the rarest automobiles can depart a long-lasting legacy.
Supply: GM Authority, Chevrolet, Hagerty, TopSpeed
