Kiwi-s.com - Lightning GT Prototype Due Later this Year

While electric vehicles still have a long way to go before they are what could be considered mainstream, they are starting to become a little bit more common and both ends of the price spectrum. This little beauty from the Lightning Car Company in the United Kingdom is sure to be at the upper end of that spectrum. The Lightning GT packs 700 bhp, has a top speed of over 130 mph and will take you from 0-60 in less than four seconds (if you are driving the GTS model).

Charge times are low, really low, 10 minutes is all that is required to charge up the GTSE for over 250 miles of driving. The NanoSafe battery system that they are using will presumably last for over twelve years. The bodywork is constructed of carbon fiber and Kevlar, and is designed to crumple on impact to protect the driver:

The Lightning bodywork will incorporate aluminium honeycomb crushable impact cells. This composite monocoque structure uses the same technology that is used in Formula 1 motor racing to protect the driver. This material will be used in the front, rear and sides of the car as well as around the battery area.

The interior is interesting, featuring satellite navigation, an iPod interface and oddly enough, virtual engine sound. I suppose for some people, the sound of silence can be a little disconcerting. The Lightning is going to come in three flavors, an entry level GT, GTS (Sport) and GTSE (Sport Extended Range). No word on price yet, but when you see words like carbon fiber, Kevlar and aluminium crushable impact cells you know it is going to set you back quite a bit more than you would pay for a Prius. This is an electric super car, you can probably expect super car prices. Stay tuned for updates.