Lightning from Britain: A plug-in that betters the performance of supercars

Harsh (Who am I?) | Sep 14 2008

It is largely believed that hybrids cannot stand up to the same footing as gasoline driven cars, atleast not in the near future. Here’s a myth buster, called Lightning. This electric sports car is emission free and can race to a maximum speed of 130mph.

Lightning can sprint from zero to 60mph in under 4 seconds, developing a power of 700 bhp and a performance that is as good as, if not better than some of the best petrol driven cars in the market today.

This car can cover 250 miles in a full recharge. It can be recharged from a socket, and it takes only 10 minutes for a full recharge. Sounds amazing! Lightning is powered by rechargeable nine-inch high batteries that developers say will last for nearly 12 years.

Power comes from four electric motors mounted in each of the hubs of the 20-inch wheels. All motors are of the ‘Hi-Pa Drive’ units developed by UK firm PML Flightlink Ltd. This car has no gears and this saves the time because electric power is instantaneously delivered, the secret to high acceleration of this car.

Batteries are recharged during the drive in the conventional way, by capturing the lost friction energy whenever brakes are applied. Structure of this car is an aluminium honeycomb, which is both lightweight and strong. Traction control, electric doors and windows, and high-powered halogen headlamps are standard.

The buyer has a choice with the interiors and can opt for an all leather or leather and alcantara interior. A two-piece removable hardtop is also included.

Design of this car, however, cannot be called original. It reminds one of Jaguar, Aston Martin and TVR styling. The car has been developed by England based Lightning Car Company.

Lightning will be track tested later this year. This high performance plug-in will cost a whopping £150,000 but its clean credentials means that it will not be liable for road tax and London congestion tax in UK.

It is good to see cars based on alternative ‘fuel’ perform so well. Lightning could give the thrust plug-in electric cars have been waiting for.