All-electric car project launched

The development of the T.27 - the brain child of Gordon Murray Design and Zytek Automotive Technology - has been made possible through a £4.5 million investment from the government-backed Technology Strategy Board. With a total cost of £9 million, a new research and development project will allow the consortium to develop four prototypes of the vehicle by February 2011. Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson, who today will test drive the T.25 - the existing petrol version of the car – said: "The T.27 is a great example of smart engineering and sustainable design. It's timely too, as the UK must demonstrate its readiness to exploit the emerging low-carbon vehicles market. The challenge is far greater than simply meeting stricter EU emissions targets. We need to expand our car industry through green innovation." Gordon Murray, Chief executive of Gordon Murray Design said: "The iStream manufacturing process behind the T.25 and T.27 is all about sustainable, low energy process by design. The T.27 programme is a great opportunity for us and our partners to create what will be the world's most efficient electric vehicle. An opportunity to start from a clean sheet of paper combined with our disruptive manufacturing technology will result in a product which truly pushes the boundaries of urban vehicle design and further protecting our mobility". The aim of the 16 month project is to develop prototypes that will put the consortium in the position where it can further explore the possibility of scaling up and building a manufacturing facility, with the ultimate goal of making the car widely available on the open market.