A supercar powered using electricity and weighing less than 1000kg has exceeded 200MPH for the first time. The vehicle reached a speed of 204MPH at Elvington aerodrome in Yorkshire last week, smashing the previous land speed record for an electric vehicle, which stood at 174MPH for nearly 40 years.

Behind the wheel of the Drayson B12 69/EV Le-Mans Prototype was the former Science Minister and racing car driver Lord Drayson. “I’m delighted that we beat the record and can show the world that electric vehicles can be fast,” he said. “This is a true celebration of Britain’s leading position within the burgeoning electric vehicle industry.”

Charging for the supercar is provided wirelessly using a process known as resonant magnetic induction. Electricity is transferred between a pad on the ground and a charging pad on the bottom of the vehicle. Anthony Thomson of technology firm Qualcomm Halo, which developed the charging system said: “Congratulations to Lord Drayson for proving that electric vehicles can deliver phenomenal performance. Technology and innovation in electric vehicle racing will eventually become standard in modern passenger vehicles.”

The record breaking supercar is to be among the vehicles competing in a new FIA Formula E Championship, due to begin next year. One idea being discussed is for a ‘dynamically’ charged race, where charging pads placed on the track provide a continuous supply of power to the electric vehicles, avoiding the need for pit stops.

(Photo: Qualcomm and Drayson Racing)

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