While many engineers are still trying to wrap their heads around EV technology, one sophisticated electric car is literally doing laps around them.
The ‘Nemesis’ has smashed the UK land speed record for an EV, clocking in at 151mph. This breaks the record of 137mph set by Don Wales 10 years ago. He’s the grandson of speed ace Sir Malcolm Campbell.
The supercar, driven by Nick Ponting, is powered by energy from wind turbines.
Nemesis reportedly broke the record with a 148mph on its first run. 21-year-old Ponting then bettered that with 151mph. Thursday’s achievement was ratified at the track by the Motor Sports Association.
The makers of the Nemesis spoke to the UK Press Association (UKPA). They say it is the first electric supercar built in the UK and they hope it will “smash the stereotype” of electric-powered cars as boring and slow. It is reportedly the brainchild of Dale Vince. He’s founder of a green electricity company called Ecotricity.
UKPA quotes Vince: “This is brilliant. We built the Nemesis to smash the stereotype of electric cars as something Noddy would drive – slow, boring, not cool – and I think we’ve done exactly that today. Hopefully this will further stimulate debate about the future of transport in Britain and how we’ll be getting around when the world runs out of oil. What we’ve been able to demonstrate is that wind-powered cars are not just feasible, but can be a load of fun.”
Mr Vince went on to say that the Nemesis is powered entirely by electricity generated by Ecotricity’s network of 53 wind turbines around the UK. It was designed and built in less than two years by a team of leading British motorsport engineers in Norfolk.
The car is reportedly a second-hand Lotus Exigue, which was bought on eBay. It was then rebuilt from the ground up.
Vince said the Nemesis is capable of 0-100mph in 8.5 seconds. And on paper, it is capable of topping 200mph. The Nemesis can travel for 100 to 150 miles between charges, depending on driving style. It can also be charged from empty in less than 30 minutes.
