California-based Epic EV will provide a lightweight resin-infused composite body for DeLorean’s new EV, which is scheduled to go into production in 2012.

California-based Epic EV, which is known for its electric hot rods, boats and ATVs, will provide a lightweight resin-infused composite body for DeLorean’s new EV, which is scheduled to go into production in 2012. Epic’s high-tech body is much lighter and stronger than the stainless steel of the original Back to the Future-mobile, so it will allow the new model to offer more battery capacity and better crash protection.

“The original DeLorean was 30 years ahead of its time in the 1980s so I felt that the composites the new DMCEV uses today should also be well ahead of its time,” said Epic CEO Chris Anthony. “We have achieved 200 pounds of reduction in weight with these new bodies through better engineering and that will make for a more advanced DMCEV. The roof crush and side impact strength is greatly improved on these bodies.”

Delorean CEO Stephen Wynne said, “We had aggressive targets for this new body structure and Epic EV exceeded those by a wide margin. We can’t wait to provide our customers with new DMCEVs that utilize this new advanced composites technology and the fact that the original DeLorean cars can also be retrofitted with this new composite body structure further broadens the appeal.”

The DeLorean Motor Company, based in Texas, acquired the original company’s name in 1995 and earns its daily bread servicing, restoring and selling DeLorean automobiles, parts, accessories and merchandise.

Image: DMC