EV start-up Alcraft reveals its first car

The British electric vehicle start-up firm - Alcraft Motor Company - has revealed the details of its first car.

The high-performance Alcraft GT has a 300-mile range and has been labelled by the firm as “extremely sporty, yet practical”.

The fundamental concept is battery-only, but has been designed and engineered so that a range-extender could be added. It has also been designed so that it can be made as a 2+2 rather than a two-seater.

Virtual engineering has provided expected figures of 840 lb ft torque and 600hp which, with four-wheel drive, torque vectoring, and light weight, result in an estimated 0-62mph time of 3.5 secs. The batteries are in a T-shaped pack between and behind the driver and passenger seats.

A 33 per cent foam model, which was made for design verification purposes, can be seen at the Alcraft Motor Company booth at the Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle Event at the Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire on 6 - 7 September.

The business is targeting a start of production in 2019, and is launching a crowdfunding campaign offering the chance to play a part in the development of the car and a new British brand.

Founder and managing director, David Alcraft, commented: “We want to build a British car company which brings together traditional skills and high technology for the emerging low carbon car market.

“We’re about combining great design, outstanding dynamics and the visceral thrill of electric powertrains to create products that are high in performance and desirability but very usable. We hope this will establish a niche For Alcraft Motor in Britain’s renowned specialist low-volume car industry.”