New GB EV unveiled by Alcraft
British electric vehicle start-up Alcraft Motor Company has revealed details of its first car, the high-performance Alcraft GT, which it hopes to start producing in 2019, with crowdfunding support.
Founder businessman David Alcraft has assembled a core team including Charles Morgan, previously of Morgan Motor Company, ex-Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders CEO Christopher Macgowan, designer Matt Humphries who also spent time at Morgan, and ex-Toyota, Daewoo and Michelin senior executive Mark Carbery.
The engineering partner is Silverstone-based Delta Motorsport, whose expertise in electric drivetrains and battery systems sees it working both with global car manufacturers and at the highest levels of motor sport. Other partners include specialist British companies Sevcon and KS Composites, and agreements are in place with major Tier 1 suppliers including Continental for safety systems and Michelin for tyres.
David said, ‘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.’
The Alcraft GT is sporty yet practical, with a shooting brake-style rear giving access to a 500-litre luggage area, and a 300-mile range. The fundamental concept is battery-only, but has been designed and engineered so that a range-extender could be added. It has also been designed so that it can be made as a 2+2 rather than a two-seater.
A 33% foam model, which was made for design verification purposes, can be seen at the Alcraft Motor Company booth at Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle on 6 and 7 September.
Meanwhile, with the design of the Alcraft GT complete and virtual engineering undertaken for core systems and regulatory requirements, the next step is to build a full running prototype. The business is launching a rewards-based crowdfunding campaign to support this, with the balance coming from equity funding. The rewards-based crowdfunding bands start at £10 and go up to £25,000.
