With the speculation that classic cars may disappear from UK roads in 30 years, it’s worth looking into what the future holds. Electric motors could potentially maintain the classic car appearance, while using modern technology. A vehicle designed by British manufacturer RBW Classic Electric Cars may be the kind of car that’s seen in future.
The company have designed an all-electric MGB with a battery-powered drivetrain. The technology has been supplied by Zytek Automotive, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in eight seconds. The MGB has a limited top speed of 105 mph and a peak power output of 70 kW. A fully-charged version is capable of exceeding 155 mph.
RBW Classic Electric Cars managing director Peter Swain explained the reasoning behind the vehicle. “The aim is to create a stunning vehicle that has the aesthetic appeal of a classic car but with all the engineering of a modern electric vehicle. To ensure drivers comfortable driving and complete safety, rather than taking an old body shell with distressed and tired metal, RBW has partnered with British Motor Heritage and Gregson Polska to provide brand new body shells.”
“The limited-edition hand-built models, with an initial 30 examples created, launched to the motoring trade at Cenex, a showcase of low carbon vehicle technologies on the 12th September.”
A public launch of the car took place at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show from the 9th – 11th November at the Birmingham NEC. As only 30 electric MGBs will be built, the motors are expensive, fetching a price of £83,000.
Swain added “our aim is to make these great classic cars better for the modern age and to do that, we have been fortunate to be supported by great companies who share the same ethos. In our research and development, we put the cars through vigorous testing, which showed just how much pressure is on the body as well as the components. Such is the power of the engine, we used new components whatever possible to ensure the best for owners to enjoy from their classic electric sports car.”
