Based in Oxford, England, Drayson Racing is one of the world’s foremost proponents of sustainable racing technologies. Now, it’s also become the fastest. Driven by team principal and former Science Minister Lord Paul Drayson, the Lola-based Drayson B12 69/EV electric Le-Mans Prototype established a new FIA world speed record for electric vehicles in a 2-way/standing-start run over a 1-mile distance, averaging a blistering 204.185 mph record at Elvington Airfield near York. The speed eclipsed the existing FIA-certified mark — which had stood for nearly four decades — by 29.2 mph.
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In commenting on the successful attempt, Drayson paid tribute to his key tech partners, Qualcomm Halo, Michelin, Multimatic and Cosworth noting that: "It is not the outright speed of 204.185 mph that is most impressive about this record, but the engineering challenge of accelerating a 1000kg (2,204 lb) electric vehicle on a short runway over a measured mile. I’m delighted we’ve beaten the record tonight and can show the world EVs can be fast and reliable."
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With the top speed mark in hand, Drayson and company intend to showcase the possibilities for EV racers and promote Britain’s leadership position in the EV industry. Next up will be attempts to set even more world records in this category, including quickest acceleration to various speeds and distances.
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