Vintage EVs: A Look Back at 1968's Best Models
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Vintage EVs: A Look Back at 1968's Best Models

The Mars II Electric, a Detroit-based electric vehicle pioneer, was a repurposed Renault R10.

  • Numerous early electric vehicles remain obscure, like the Mars II Electric.

  • There are only 45 of them, based on the Renault R10.

  • Although this example is a project vehicle, it has the potential to be developed into a very hot restomod.

Though the past was also electrified, the future is too. While battery packs may eventually lose their ability to retain a charge, the remainder of an electric powertrain has a very lengthy lifespan. Early EVs are unique and eccentric in many ways. Everyone would find this historical article intriguing, whether they are a Tesla Model Y owner or a classic French vehicle lover. You could even get to Mars before Elon.

This Classic 1968 Mars II Electric Vehicle Must Ride Again, 46% OFF

There are reportedly 45 cars produced by Detroit-based Electric Fuel Propulsion (EFP), including this Mars II Electric, which is being offered for auction on Bring A Trailer, a division of Hearst Autos like Car and Driver. EFP was a pioneer in electric vehicles and is still in business today as Apollo Energy Systems, a fuel cell and battery manufacturer. It was at the forefront of EV technology in the 1960s. Later on, the business produced the Electrosport, an electric variant of the AMC Hornet. Regretfully, the public was not yet prepared.

The older Mars II Electric was primarily supplied to utility corporations; in contrast, the Electrosport was designed for mass manufacture. Its specifications stand up remarkably well: it has a 120-mile overall range, can travel at highway speeds, and can charge to 80 percent at 50 kW in 45 minutes. In 1968, the Mars II was even capable of regenerative braking, which was revolutionary.

Robert Aronson, the creator of EFP, used a Mars II on many well reported road trips while coordinating the installation of charging stations with utility providers. The system was demonstrably effective, but combustion power was more widely available and less expensive even during the subsequent fuel crisis in the 1970s. Though still specialized, the Mars, Electrosport, and other EFP electric-vehicle inventions continued to be pioneers.

No Reserve: 1968 Mars II Electric Project for sale on BaT Auctions - ending  June 19 (Lot #151,228) | Bring a Trailer

Robert Aronson, the creator of EFP, used a Mars II on many well reported road trips while coordinating the installation of charging stations with utility providers. The system was demonstrably effective, but combustion power was more widely available and less expensive even during the subsequent fuel crisis in the 1970s. Though still specialized, the Mars, Electrosport, and other EFP electric-vehicle inventions continued to be pioneers.

However, it's not limited to a museum. There are several possibilities for reviving life on Mars because of the increase in vintage automobile EV conversions. A contemporary electric motor that smokes tires and a lithium battery pack acquired from Tesla may be used to create something interesting by an outfitter like EV West, who mostly works with VW and Porsche projects. The R10 is perfect for such a change because of its rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration.