21 May 08 12:06
Liberty Electric Range Rover
A newly formed automotive company is claiming that it is to invest £30m to transform large luxury cars and 4x4s into emission-free, high-performance electric vehicles.
Liberty Electric Cars Ltd, which is based in Oxford, will design and manufacture a unique electric drivetrain platform to power a wide range of large vehicles.
The company says that annual vehicle production - which will include the world's first zero-emission, electrically powered Range Rover - will be in tens of thousands and will create around 250 new technology and manufacturing jobs.
Barry Shrier, Liberty founder and CEO, said: 'The Liberty Electric Range Rover takes electric vehicle technology into a new sector, to large luxury cars that people aspire to drive, particularly in cities and urban environments, where environmental controls are becoming increasingly tighter.
'The Liberty Electric Range Rover will drive cleanly and quietly around roads and cities, free of tax, congestion and parking charges, making less environmental impact than even the smallest, most fuel-efficient car, yet still offering the comfort and security of a luxury 4x4.'
One of the main issues for builders of electrically driven cars is the limited range, but Liberty claims its technology can increase the driving range and deliver shorter recharge times.
The Liberty Range Rover has 200 miles range before needing a charge, and some models will carry on-board, range-extending generators. Costs will range between £95,000 and £125,000, depending on model and specification.
