Driving Web3 forward: how DeLorean is building the future of cars on-chain
The future of mobility might look familiar — but under the hood, it’s built on Web3.
In episode 271 of Web3 with Sam Kamani, Evan Kuhn, President of DeLorean Labs, takes us behind the wheel of DeLorean’s bold entry into the blockchain space. Known for its iconic time-traveling car, DeLorean is now racing into a different kind of future — one where car ownership, data, and community are powered by crypto.
This isn’t about selling nostalgia. It’s about building an entire automotive ecosystem on-chain.
Rewriting the rules of vehicle reservations
At the heart of DeLorean’s Web3 rollout is a tokenized reservation system for their new Alpha5 EV.
Each reservation is minted on-chain, making deposits fully tradable. Early buyers have already seen resale value climb — in some cases by 16x.
This model flips the traditional dealership approach. Instead of static reservations, buyers get liquid digital assets with real value and transferability.
NFTs that do more than sit in a wallet
Every Alpha5 will come with its own dynamic NFT — a real-time digital twin of the car. This NFT tracks:
- Mileage
- Service history
- Ownership records
Think of it as a living Carfax report, updating as the car is driven. This isn’t just for the sake of tech novelty — it’s about improving transparency, resale, and even vehicle maintenance.
Introducing Flux Protocol: Drive-to-earn is real
One of the standout innovations is the Flux Protocol. Built on Sui, this system rewards drivers for their data.
Here’s how it works:
- The car collects driving data (mileage, efficiency, etc.)
- That data feeds into Flux
- Drivers earn $DMC tokens in return
Each DeLorean has a built-in crypto wallet. The rewards you earn can pay for:
- Parking
- Car washes
- Routine maintenance
- Data monetization
And yes — it’s all automated and seamless.
More than cars: a full-stack token economy
DeLorean is extending the utility of $DMC beyond driving.
They’re launching exclusive merchandise — think high-end watches, eyewear, and luggage — all authenticated via NFTs.
Only $DMC token holders and stakers will gain access to these drops.
This creates a flywheel: the more you drive, the more you earn, and the more you unlock across the DeLorean ecosystem.
Why Sui? A blockchain built for scale
DeLorean Labs chose Sui for three reasons:
- Low fees make transactions frictionless
- High throughput supports real-time updates and reward distribution
- A thriving global dev community helps accelerate innovation
With smart contracts managing car data and transactions, the underlying tech needs to be fast, secure, and developer-friendly — Sui checks all three.
What about adoption? Balancing friction and value
Naturally, DeLorean’s Web3 pivot comes with its skeptics. But Evan emphasizes that adoption is tied to real utility.
Web3 adds value only when it makes something better — more transparent, more accessible, or more rewarding.
And so far? Drivers, collectors, and crypto users alike are paying attention.
What’s next: Partnerships, Alpha5, and beyond
The roadmap ahead includes:
- More centralized exchange listings for $DMC
- Limited edition merch drops
- Expanded Flux Protocol features
- Alpha5 EV production in the next two years
They’re also working with high-profile figures like Patrick Stewart and Christopher Lloyd — a nod to the brand’s roots, but with eyes clearly on the future.
Final thoughts: building a Web3-native car brand
DeLorean Labs isn’t just putting NFTs on cars. They’re building a fully-integrated Web3 company that rethinks how we reserve, own, and interact with vehicles.
From tokenized deposits to drive-to-earn incentives, they’re using blockchain as infrastructure — not a gimmick.
And as Evan says in the episode, “We’re not trying to be the trend — we’re building what comes next.”
If you’re curious about how blockchain can reshape real-world industries — especially mobility — this episode is well worth the listen.
Listen to the full episode:
Explore more:
- Website: deloreanlabs.com
- Twitter: @deloreanlabs
- Evan Kuhn: @evankuhn
- LinkedIn: DeLorean Labs
- Instagram: @deloreanlabs
