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Lightning GT
by Ross Bonander, Contributing Writer
Type: 100% electric vehicle
Class: Roadster
Manufacturer: Lightning Car Company
“Combining classic, British sports car design with racing car technology and state of the art NanoSafe™ battery power and Hi-Pa Drive™ electric motor innovation, the Lightning GT has been developed with exhilarating performance front of mind.”
The Critics Say...
“With a purported 700hp, the Lightning GT might be the most powerful all electric vehicle to hit the consumer market.” —gadgetreview.com
“For those of you high-performance electric car enthusiasts that were hoping to see this as an alternative to the Tesla Roadster, don't hold your breath to see this one come across the pond any time soon.” —autobloggreen.com
Overview
This sleek, luxury, high-performance 2-door roadster from Peterborough, UK-based Lightning Car Company is heart-stopping. It is expected to go into production in late 2008 for British consumers first.
What We Like
• The drive motors. Hi-Pa Drive™ technology means the Lightning has four 120kw power Permanent Magnet brushless motors, one in each wheel. Putting the motors in the wheels increases efficiency and is a brilliant emerging technology in the field.
• The battery system. US-based Altaimano’s NanoSafe™ nanotech batteries are non-toxic, they have a life expectancy of 12 years or more, can be recharged in ten little minutes, retain 85% of their charge capacity after 15,000 charges, and can handle extreme temperatures.
• The design. The lightweight carbon fibre/Kevlar composite technology has been molded into a sexy, sporty roadster that takes your breath away, especially when you realize its all-electric.
• The standard features. Among others, they include anti-lock brakes and regenerative braking, forged alloy wheels, an entertainment system, and the home-based charging system (EVCS). Air-conditioning is listed as an option, but when the vehicle comes stateside, we expect that to change.
What We Don’t Like
• The price estimates. They have not posted a sticker price; rather, they are accept reservation deposits in the amount of £15,000. At least one web site claims the price to top £150,000 ($290,000 or so US); we’ll wait to hear from Lightning on the matter, but that price is way beyond the average consumer’s budget.
Lightning GT Specifications
Propulsion system: Four 120kw power Permanent Magnet brushless motors
Top Speed: 130 mph
Zero-to-60: 4 seconds
Vehicle range: 250 miles
Fuel(s): Electricity
Battery pack: NanoSafe™ battery, 36kw power (full charge: 10 minutes)
Tailpipe emissions: None
Conclusion
If prices turn out to be that high, the Lightning GT will not stake a reasonable claim as the Tesla Roadster’s chief reason to be concerned—that’s simply too high. Nonetheless, the GT’s battery pack and four in-hub motors—two promising technologies that give us hope—are stellar picks set inside a jaw-dropping automobile.
More information on the Lightning GT at: lightningcarcompany.co.uk
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