Lost and Found: The Unknown Motorola Electric Corvette Prototype

Today’s development of electric vehicles might seem like a recent innovation, but in reality, it’s the product of years of research and development from various automakers. In the early 1990s, Motorola built a fully functional 1987 Chevy Corvette EV prototype, which still exists today and is waiting to be discovered by the right buyer in a salvage yard in Gurnee, Illinois. The car was an impressive feat for its time and matched the performance of its modern gas-powered sports cars.

Surprisingly, little information about this car exists online, and the story behind it is still incomplete. However, Larry Brosten, the proprietor of Auto Parts City and the owner of the Corvette, dropped a bombshell that he had a one-of-a-kind 1987 Chevy Corvette built by Motorola.

The Corvette was a fully electric prototype vehicle built by Motorola Automotive sometime in the early to mid-1990s and was not just a decal package. Brosten had possession of the motherlode of the vehicle’s developer documentation. Unfortunately, the car doesn’t run since the previous owner left it outside in the winter, which ruined the batteries, but it’s still an impressive sight.

The car looks like any regular Chevy Corvette C4 convertible from the outside but with the “EL” electric vehicle plate on the rear. The EV Vette seems to be powered by an unknown amount of what appear to be deep-cycle batteries, many of them in the trunk, some possibly in the floorboards, and four to six underneath the hood.

The batteries look old, and none of the documents specify how many batteries the Corvette used or where they were placed. The electric motor appears to send power to the Corvette’s manual transmission and spins the rear wheels. Still, none of the documentation explains how much power the electric Vette’s motor made.

The charging plug was done so that it would have fit right in the same housing as the old gas fuel filler door, but it looks like the charging port was removed and the lines hastily capped. It’s unclear when this was done. Despite its significance, the car languished in a random garage in northern Illinois. Its story is fascinating, but it appears it lived and died at the end of the analog age, slipping out of sight just before the internet could hoover up its story and immortalize it for everyone.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the price of the one-off prototype and what additional costs might be involved?

The unique prototype carries a price tag of $100,000. However, potential buyers should budget for extra expenses, such as the cost of replacing expired batteries, which are not included in the initial purchase price.

What was the motivation behind Motorola’s conversion of a Corvette to electric power?

The motivation behind the conversion of a Corvette to an electric powertrain was driven by a desire to ensure the company’s long-term viability. One visionary individual proposed the idea of electrifying vehicles to top management, highlighting that this innovation would secure the company’s position in an evolving market focused on sustainable solutions. By collaborating with a colleague, they embarked on developing a prototype to demonstrate the potential of this technology. This initiative aimed to showcase the capability and future-readiness of electric vehicles.

What was the EX-11 and what achievement did it accomplish?

The EX-11 was an innovative single-seater race car designed to push the boundaries of solar and electric vehicle technology. In 1993, it achieved a remarkable feat at the Arizona Public Service Solar and Electric 500 competition. The EX-11 outperformed entries from major automotive giants, including Toyota and General Motors, showcasing its superior design and capability in the rapidly advancing field of eco-friendly transportation.

How did the success of the EX-11 influence Motorola’s future projects?

The success of the EX-11, a pioneering single-seater race car, significantly shaped future projects within its parent company. When the vehicle outperformed industry giants like Toyota and GM at the 1993 Arizona Public Service Solar and Electric 500 competition, it caught the attention of key decision-makers within the organization.

This remarkable victory demonstrated the team’s innovative prowess and potential, prompting company executives to consider more ambitious initiatives. Inspired by the EX-11’s performance, the team proposed a bold new endeavor: converting a traditional muscle car into an eco-friendly powerhouse. This proposal marked a shift towards integrating cutting-edge technologies in automotive design, paving the way for future sustainable vehicle projects.

What is the significance of the Chevy Corvette EV being sold on eBay?

A Piece of Automotive History: The Chevy Corvette EV on eBay

Why This Unique Prototype Matters

A truly unique piece of automotive innovation is up for grabs—the first-ever electric version of the iconic Corvette. This prototype, initially developed by a leading technology firm in the early ’90s, represents a groundbreaking moment in the evolution of sports cars.

Historical Significance

This remarkable vehicle dates back to 1993 when it underwent a transformation from a gasoline engine to an electric powertrain. Created by a team led by an accomplished electrical engineer, this conversion set the stage for future advancements in electric vehicles (EVs).

The Price Tag and Additional Costs

With a price tag of $100,000, this piece of history is a significant investment. However, potential buyers should note that the original batteries will need replacing—a testament to how far EV technology has progressed in the past three decades.

Predecessor to Modern Innovations

While plans for new electric iterations of this beloved model are on the horizon, this prototype holds the distinction as the forerunner. It provides a rare glimpse into the pioneering efforts that paved the way for today’s electric sports cars, making it not just a collector’s item, but a symbol of automotive innovation.

This special vehicle is more than just a car; it is a milestone in the journey toward sustainable automotive solutions, standing at the crossroads of past experiments and future potential. If you’re a collector or an enthusiast, this is an opportunity to own a unique artifact that celebrates both heritage and the relentless pursuit of innovation.

What are the rumors regarding General Motors and an all-electric Corvette family?

Rumors are swirling about General Motors’ potential plans to introduce a fully electric line-up under the iconic Corvette name by 2025. Enthusiasts and industry insiders alike are buzzing about the possible addition of a sleek four-door variant and a high-performance SUV to this legendary brand’s portfolio. This all-electric expansion hints at a bold new direction, marrying Corvette’s legendary performance with cutting-edge electric technology.

What historical context is provided about battery-powered Corvettes?

In the early 1990s, Motorola built a fully functional 1987 Chevy Corvette EV prototype, which still exists today and is waiting to be discovered by the right buyer in a salvage yard in Gurnee, Illinois. The car was an impressive feat for its time and matched the performance of its modern gas-powered sports cars.

To understand the significance of this electric Corvette, we have to rewind further to the winter of 1993. This was 30 years before the advent of the Corvette E-Ray, when the innovative project was initially conceived. The brainchild of electrical engineer Sanjar Ghaem, then the director of technology in Motorola’s automotive division, this endeavor was groundbreaking for its time. It marked a pivotal moment in the exploration of battery-electric power for high-performance vehicles.

The Corvette was a fully electric prototype vehicle built by Motorola Automotive sometime in the early to mid-1990s and was not just a decal package. Brosten had possession of the motherlode of the vehicle’s developer documentation. Unfortunately, the car doesn’t run since the previous owner left it outside in the winter, which ruined the batteries, but it’s still an impressive sight.

This unique vehicle not only represents a fascinating chapter in automotive history but also highlights the early challenges and achievements in electric vehicle development. As we reflect on its journey from conception to its current state, it serves as a reminder of the innovative spirit that continues to drive the evolution of electric vehicles today.

What was the original car model used for the conversion?

The original car model used for the conversion was a 1987 Corvette C4 convertible.

When did the project take place?

The project took place in the winter of 1993.

Who initiated the project?

The project was initiated by Sanjar Ghaem, an electrical engineer and the director of technology at Motorola’s automotive division.

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Jerome Andre

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