Lightning GT

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.

Type: 100% electric vehicle

Class: Roadster

Manufacturer: Lightning Car Company

The Manufacturer says

“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

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

Think City

Future Electric Cars

Tesla Roadster