Classic Broncos Reinvented: Kindred Motorworks Launches EV Models

URGENT UPDATE: Kindred Motorworks has just launched its groundbreaking range of electric classic Broncos, marking a significant shift in the automotive restoration industry. Located in a revitalized facility on Mare Island, Vallejo, this innovative company is transforming iconic vehicles into modern electric cars designed for today’s standards of performance and safety.

Founded by technology expert Rob Howard, Kindred Motorworks aims to revolutionize the classic car restoration market. By utilizing standardized processes and advanced technology, the company promises to deliver fully rebuilt, turnkey classic vehicles, blending nostalgia with modern engineering.

Howard, who has a rich background in logistics and technology, started Kindred in 2019 after years of restoring cars in his garage. “It took me years to do each one of my restorations, and when I was done, they weren’t quite right,” he explained. His frustrations led to the establishment of a factory-style operation that focuses on efficiency and quality.

In February 2023, Kindred expanded to a sprawling 105,000-square-foot manufacturing facility on Mare Island, where a team of skilled technicians now restores classic vehicles, including the iconic Ford Bronco. The company delivered its first completed vehicle, a Bronco Heritage Edition, in December 2023.

Kindred operates in a rapidly growing segment of the automotive world—factory-style restomods. Unlike traditional shops that typically create one-off vehicles, Kindred employs a systematic approach, drastically reducing the average restoration time from over 2,000 hours to approximately 1,100 hours for a Bronco. “It’s true craftsmanship,” Howard stated, highlighting the careful balance of modern manufacturing and artisanal skills.

The electric Bronco, available since mid-2025, starts at $225,000, while its gasoline counterpart begins at $199,000. Kindred also plans to debut a modernized Chevy 3100 and a reimagined Volkswagen Bus, with the latter expected to launch in the second quarter of 2026.

At the heart of Kindred’s electric vehicles is the proprietary “Grayback” platform, named after a historic submarine launched from Mare Island. This architecture ensures vehicles meet modern standards, featuring a range of up to 200 miles and rapid charging capabilities that allow for a recharge in about 25 minutes.

Howard’s vision has attracted significant attention, including investments from celebrity backers like Robert Downey Jr., who aims to convert his entire car fleet to electric. Overall, Kindred has raised $50 million to support its ambitious plans, which include increasing production to roughly one vehicle per week per model.

The company’s workforce is rapidly expanding, with plans to double its headcount from around 100 employees to 150-160 by 2026. This hiring strategy incorporates experienced automotive professionals and entry-level individuals, fostering a culture of learning and craftsmanship.

As Kindred Motorworks continues to innovate, it is entering an increasingly competitive landscape, with established players and traditional automakers also exploring the restomod market. However, Howard believes that Kindred’s unique blend of technology, craftsmanship, and commitment to electrification positions it as a leader in this evolving sector.

For car enthusiasts and eco-conscious buyers alike, Kindred Motorworks represents more than just a restoration shop; it symbolizes a new era of automotive manufacturing that bridges the past and the future. As the company ramps up production and unveils new models, the excitement in the automotive community is palpable. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Kindred Motorworks accelerates into the forefront of the electric vehicle movement.