- Sunday 18 July will see a host of different EVs drive from
London to Brighton
The RAC is to use its unrivalled electric breakdown technology to
support the first EV rally to take place in England.
Featuring a wide range of EVs from factory models to solar
powered and several self-builds, The London to Brighton EV
Rally (L2BEVR) will start on the banks of the River Thames
and cover over 58 miles, passing through the beautiful Sussex and
Surrey countryside before finishing at Madeira Drive on Brighton
seafront on Sunday 18 July.
The event, which is organised by Brighton-based bus company The
Big Lemon and proudly sponsored by Britain’s biggest generator of
zero carbon electricity EDF, currently has 27 entries including a
Sinclair C5, Jaguar i-Pace and Renault Twizy, and a self-build
former chicken coup.
As the number-one for EV breakdown, the RAC has teamed up with
this year’s event as the official breakdown and recovery partner
with its expert patrols on hand to rescue any of competitor who
runs into difficulty.
The RAC is ideally placed to support the L2BEVR as it’s the only
UK breakdown company in the UK to be able to recharge a flat or
severely depleted EV from a lightweight van-mounted charging
unit. RAC EV Boost is capable of topping up an out-of-charge EV
enough to be driven a short distance home or to a nearby
chargepoint, which the RAC believes is faster, more efficient and
better for the planet than having to send a big flatbed recovery
vehicle.
Any vehicles the RAC can’t fix at the roadside will be recovered
by one of its patrol vans using the pioneering All-Wheels-Up
recovery system which gives flatbed capability to an RAC van
meaning there’s no need to wait for a tow truck.
RAC EV spokesman Simon Williams said: “We’re delighted to be the
official breakdown partner for the first ever London to Brighton
EV Rally, particularly as our expert patrols are already so well
known for helping on the Royal Automobile Club’s Veteran Car Run.
As the number-one for EV breakdowns we’re ideally placed to
assist any competitor who runs into difficulty.
“Our teams will be there to give competitors complete peace of
mind in case something unexpected happens, whether that’s getting
a puncture or running out of charge. Any competitor unfortunate
enough to go ‘flat’ will be able to benefit from our
market-leading EV Boost technology which provides an emergency
charge sufficient to get drivers home or to the nearest charge
point.
“Our vans are also equipped with our unique All Wheels Up
recovery system which enables patrols to tow EVs with all four
wheels off the ground, and saves time waiting for a separate
recovery vehicle. It’s like having a flatbed in the back of our
vans.”
L2BEVR co-founder Tom Druitt said: “We are very excited about the
first running of the rally and hope it will become an annual
event showcasing the rapid development of electric vehicles and
renewable energy.
“We’re very pleased to have the support of such high-profile
companies such as the RAC which is clearly leading the way in
looking after the breakdown needs of electric vehicle owners.”
Electric vehicle drivers, bikers, cyclists and self-build
aficionados are invited to sign up to the event.
Starting from just £60 to take part, categories for the rally
include: e-bikes, e-motorbikes, city cars, saloon cars, SUVs,
vans, self-builds, minibuses, buses, trucks and public transport.
All vehicles must be road legal.
The event culminates with an award ceremony at the Grand Hotel
Brighton with prizes for participants with the lowest energy
consumption and general performance across all categories. There
will also be an e-village featuring an array of EV displays,
entertainment, food and drink.
