The Lola-Drayson B12/69EV is one green racing machine, built to dominate the Grand Prix track.

Yes it’s electric. No, it’s not a sensible little city car. The Lola-Drayson B12/69EV is one green racing machine, built to dominate the Grand Prix track. Drayson Racing, headed by former UK Minister of Science and Innovation Lord Drayson, has long been a pioneer in green racing technology – they placed third in last year’s International Le Mans Cup with a car powered by bio-ethanol. Now the culmination of all their innovation is on display at this weekend’s Autosport International show in Birmingham, UK.

The Lola-Drayson B12/69EV, which Drayson developed with technical partner the Lola Group, has been designed to demonstrate that green technologies can handle the harsh environment of motor sports. Will it be a contender for the 2013 FIA Formula E World Championship?

“Electric racing represents a considerable new business opportunity for motorsport and underlines the growing commercial potential of green racing and technology,” said Lord Drayson. “Electric-powered racing is really taking off with the launch of the new FIA Formula E world championship for electric racing cars planned for 2013 and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of the push for innovation at such an exciting time for the sport and industry.

“Indeed, the B12/69EV racing car that we are unveiling today showcases advances such as inductive charging, composite battery power, moveable aerodynamics and electrical regenerative damping, making it one of the most innovative cleantech motorsport projects in the world. With over 850 horsepower, it aims to be the fastest electric-powered racecar to lap a circuit.”

Martin Birrane, Lola Group Chairman, adds, “This innovative new project will evidence several new technologies with a variety of well-known technical suppliers, to show that zero carbon, clean racing can be fast and exciting, whilst offering a stimulating engineering challenge.”

Image: Lola Group