Codenamed B12/69EV and the result of the collaboration of several partners, the electric prototype, developed by Lola Group and Drayson Racing Technologies, is expected to become the fastest electric car in the world, running at over 200mph.
The model was unveiled at the MIA International Low Carbon Conference, and features a plethora of new technologies, including aerodynamic surfaces, wireless charging and a structural battery designed by BAE Systems.
The electric racing car is said to be able to reach 60mph in 3 seconds, and 100mph in 5.1 seconds, thanks to its powerful engine and its lightness (just over 1,000 kilogrammes, including the driver).
Lord Drayson, who is pioneering the project, said: “Electric racing represents a considerable new business opportunity for motorsport and underlines the growing commercial potential of green racing and technology.”
The new FIA Formula E world championship for electric racing cars, planned for 2013, is expected to give a further boost to this market, and is the next step for the Lola-Drayson project.
Built in less than six months around the current Lola LMP1 group B12 Le Mans chassis, the prototype resulted from the participation of companies such as Qualcomm (for the wireless charging system that uses magnetic induction), Cosworth (that will provide electronic control systems, BAE Systems (that is developing a battery that is part of the body of the car, to save weight), A123 Systems and Mavizen (that respectively manufactured and packaged the innovative Lithium Nanophosphate cells). According to Lord Drayson, their expertise is one of the reasons behind the quick development of the Lola-Drayson electric racing car.
It may not be as fast as the Bloodhound, but this new car is certainly greener, and just as British.
