The USA has Tesla. Japan has the Nissan Leaf. Europe has the Renault Twizy. All are different cars, with different customer bases and design – but all have one thing in common; they are electric.
Since electric cars became increasingly commercial in the late 1980s, the market has boomed. But, until now, the UK has remained oddly quiet in the sector. Alcraft GT are looking to change that and their all-new luxury electric estate car will be on the roads within two years, and boast an incredible 600 horsepower.
The start-up is attempting to raise the funds needed to create the car using crowdfunding, and the concept is guaranteed to get heads turning and wallets opening. Given the estate design, you get 500 litres of luggage space, and even though there are only two seats in the basic model, a four seater option will be available.
Four wheel drive, and a staggering range of over 300 miles on a single charge are the mechanical brawn to back up the car’s beauty – which features a carbon fibre B pillar, glass roof and wraparound windshield.
Inside the car, a minimalist centre console perpetuates the futuristic feel, and a large touchscreen display replaces many of the switches and buttons that would adorn your usual dashboard. The seats, similarly, have been ergonomically designed to provide as much comfort as possible on the longer-than-average electric car rides.
Based in Silverstone, founder and managing director of the Alcraft motor company, David Alcraft, said that: “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.”
And, with such a sumptuous estate design, Morgan’s Charles Morgan on board as an advisor and huge national interest, Alcraft GT is changing the gear of the electric car industry. But change comes at a cost, expect having to fork out upwards of £145,000 when the car hits the roads in 2019.
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