British company claims to have produced the world’s first zero emissions 4×4
August 5, 2010 at 1:48 pm
British company, Liberty Electric Cars, has developed an all-electric Range Rover, the world’s first zero emissions 4×4. Having spent June testing a prototype, Liberty Electric Cars says it will soon be ready to bring its all-electric 4×4 technology to the market, starting in the UK with its ‘E-range’ all-electric Range Rover.
With energy storage provided by a lithium polymer battery pack, believed to have a 13-year or 300,000-mile lifespan, the car boasts zero tailpipe emissions and has running costs of 3.92p per mile, compared with 18.58p per mile for its petrol equivalent. Despite the low running costs of the vehicle, the E-range is expected to cost almost double the price of a current top of the range supercharged V8 Range Rover, although Liberty Electric Cars expect the price to fall as demand for zero emission vehicles increases.
The E-Range maintains its 4×4 performance as it is driven by 4 electric motors (one for each wheel). By doing this, designers have been able to ensure that the vehicle maintains its four-wheel drive traction. Motor enthusiasts will be impressed by the car’s performance, which is hugely impressive for an all-electric vehicle, with the E-range boasting a sub 7 second 0-60mph time and an 85mph top speed.
With plans to have the E-range commercially available before the end of the year, Liberty Electric Cars are already looking to improve the technology developed for the E-range in order to create a range of other vehicles.
The E-range will be constructed in Newcastle, with funds from UK government supporting production costs as part of a national plan to turn the North East into a centre of excellence for electric vehicle development.
