Npower has announced its sponsorship of British motoring journalist and television presenter, Jonny Smith’s mission to create Europe’s fastest street legal electric vehicle (EV).

Smith’s initial mission is to break the current British record for a street legal EV set by the £103,000 Tesla Roadster Sport, which accelerates from 0 to 60mph in 3.7 seconds and can run the quarter mile in 12.6 seconds.

He will be completing the challenge in a modified Enfield 8000 - one of Britain’s first ever mass produced EVs.

The Enfield 8000 was born in the 1970s in response to the oil crisis, and was originally part of the Midland Electricity Board’s (MEB’s) fleet (now Npower). 

It was originally built for city driving and a maximum of 40mph.

This vehicle has now been restored and modified with the aim of racing on the quarter mile drag strip.

Jonathan Woodthorpe, head of e-mobility at Npower, said: “It is great to be able to be involved in such an exciting project which will showcase the opportunities provided by electric vehicles. 

“At Npower, we believe there should be continued investment in EV infrastructure and technology and increased education for both consumers and businesses, to ensure use of EVs grows.

“They are a sustainable solution providing tangible benefits, both in terms of impact on the environment and cost. 

“In fact, we have just benefited from a recent trial of a Mercedes Vito E-Cell van.  It was driven 352 miles, costing just £17.53 in electricity, which compares really favourably to its diesel-powered equivalent, which would cost £56.32 for the same journey."

Smith said: “The reason for doing this is to try and show what electric performance vehicles are capable of.

“The Enfield is a rare electric relic - only 120 were ever made - and I desperately wanted to resurrect one to show people that EVs are not some new invention.

“It'll be an envelope pusher, but one I can drive to the corner shop as well as take drag racing.

“Having the support of an energy supplier is crucial to power the car and provide expert advice on the charging infrastructure and technology required.”

The timing of the record attempt is yet to be confirmed.

More details of where the Enfield  - nicknamed the ‘Flux Capacitor’ as a homage to the film Back to the Future - will be on show are due to follow later in 2013.

Picture caption: Jonny Smith with his Flux Capacitor

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