► A British electric GT car
► Prototype to be crowdfunded online
► Charles Morgan is one of the men behind the car
These are the first concept images for the Alcraft GT: an electric vehicle its creators hope will be made possible by a crowdfunding campaign.
It’s a fully electric, high-performance car developed by British start-up manufacturer Alcraft Motor Company. It will be launching an online Crowdfunding campaign shortly in a bid to raise cash to begin production in 2019.
Alcraft has built some key partnerships with companies including electrics experts Delta Motorsport and Sevcon, and KS Composites to help engineer and develop this new project. There are also agreements in place with Continental safety systems and Michelin tyres.
A practical sports car with 600bhp
The Alcraft GT will not be an electric supercar. Alcraft claims it will be a practical 2+2 shooting brake with 500 litres of boot space and a 300-mile range. The concept targets a pure EV battery powertrain, but there is scope within the design to adopt a range extender powertrain if necessary.
With a three-motor, four-wheel-drive set up, early estimates for total power and torque output are in excess of 600bhp and 800lb ft. According to simulations, 0-62mph will take 3.5 seconds.
The exterior features exposed carbonfibre B-pillars, which not only look smart but also form a lightweight safety cell together with the roof structure. Glass features heavily in the roof and the wraparound windscreen gives the car a distinct visual ‘flow’.
Well-known names involved
Based at Silverstone, the company was founded by David Alcraft, a businessman with a background in the medical industry. A fan of alternative energies, he has previously sponsored a steam car speed record project in 2009.
Alcraft’s managers include some big names in the automotive industry: former Morgan Motor Company chairman Charles Morgan (above), and former SMMT boss Christopher MacGowan.
There’s a Morgan link in the car’s styling too; principle designer is former Morgan man Matthew Humphries (below).
To be paid for by the public?
Alcraft reports the design has been finalised and focus now switches to the development of a full running prototype. Funds are being raised through a rewards-based crowdfunding scheme which starts at £10, and contributors can pledge as much as £25,000.
Rewards offered by Alcraft include VIP days at Silverstone with rides in a development mule for the upcoming GT. There are also electric bikes and Mathew Humphries Design wristwatches on offer.
Should the Alcraft GT reach production, expect a six-figure price tag.
