DeLorean DMC-12 electric prototype debuts

The DeLorean DMC-12, one of the world's most iconic cars, is making waves again, re-emerging as an all-electric vehicle.

The DeLorean Motor Company, now based in Texas, rolled out the proof-of-concept version of the eDeLorean to customers at its biannual DMC headquarters gathering in Houston over the weekend.

“I wanted my customers to see it first,” DMC owner Steven Wynne told Autoweek. “And they loved it.”

The prototype is a bellwether for DMC as it gauges interest in an electric DeLorean.

“I've always had a soft spot for electric vehicles, and I knew the next thing I wanted to work with was the DeLorean,” Wynne said. “After Tesla opened the door with their car, it got the fluids racing again and I started thinking of doing it with the DeLorean.”

The prototype is equipped with a DC power supply that provides a normal range of 70 miles. If driven conservatively, the eDeLorean can hit 100 miles in range.

DMC has been conducting research on the car for nearly four years, and the company is working with Epic EV of Southern California for the electric drivetrain components.

“We are already on the drawing board for version two, which will include AC power and hopefully over 100 [miles per charge],” Wynne said.

The second version of the eDeLorean will also benefit from additional weight reduction. With access to the original underbody molds, DMC is using modern technology to create an underbody that is 50 percent lighter and four times stronger than the original steel component. In fact, DMC claims version two is currently on target to weigh less than a stock DeLorean.

When asked whether the EV would shed its stainless-steel body for the sake of weight, Wynne said, “I know my market well, and there are certain things we won't mess with. It will keep the stainless-steel exterior. We still want it to be a real car.”

Turnaround time for a DMC-12 to be converted to electric power reportedly will be one week. Pricing for the eDeLorean is not yet set, but Wynne said the company is trying to keep it in the $90,000 range to be competitive in the all-electric market. Look for the new eDeLorean in 2013.

By David Arnouts