An electric bike faced an electric racecar for the very first time when Citroen took its sleek Survolt concept against the Agni Z2 at the Thruxton race circuit.
Driven by professional racers-Vanina Ickx and Jenny Tinmouth-car and bike battled it out to test speed, agility and performance of the two all-electric models.
Piloting Survolt was Vanina Ickx – Le Mans Series and Touring Car racing driver and daughter of Formula One driver, Jacky Ickx. Riding the Agni Z2 was Jenny Tinmouth, the fastest woman around the Isle of Man TT course and championship leader in the 2010 TTXGP.
Vanina Ickx commented; “This was a fantastic experience – the first electric duel of its type. The lack of engine noise made it a very interesting challenge. Normally you have an idea where your opponent is by their sound, but with electric vehicles it’s so much quieter – a new racing dynamic. I had a lot of fun and I’m thrilled to have been part of this unique track event.”
The Survolt was fresh from its appearance on Sunday (September 12, 2010) as part of The Prince of Wales’ Start Eco Car Spectacular. Held on The Mall in the shadow of Buckingham Palace, Survolt led a parade of ecologically-conscious vehicles. At the event’s prize-giving, the car was presented with the ‘Vision Award’ by M&S Chairman Sir Stuart Rose.
Specially developed with compact dimensions and a light-weight frame (1.15 tonnes) to suit the race track, the Survolt is propelled by two electric motors with a combined power of 300bhp from 0 to 5,000rpm. Using battery power alone, the Survolt is capable of exceptional performance with a top speed of 162mph and a 0-62mph time of under five seconds. The concept’s twin 140kg lithium-ion batteries each boast a 31kw capacity and can cover 124 miles in a single charge.
Powered by 80 battery packs and weighing 220kg, the Agni Z2’s 65hp all-electric drivetrain delivers a 0-60mph time of around 3.5seconds with a top speed of just over 130mph.
