Festival debut for electric car

Aug 14 2010 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

THE Blyth festival will also see the launch of a new electric car ... the E-Warrior.

Designed, developed and built by Cramlington-based AVID Vehicles, the four-wheel-drive utility vehicle is claimed to be the quietest and highest performing of its type.

The company, which was set up in 2008 and currently employs 22 people, is part of the new generation of North East firms at the forefront of electric car production.

It plans to manufacture about 500 of the E-Warriors next year and double that figure in 2012.

Although the “quadracycle” vehicle is suitable for both on and off-road use, it is expected to be in demand from companies and organisations running large estates and land holdings.

It has a range of 40 miles between charges and a top speed of 30mph.

Yesterday AVID Vehicles marketing associate Nick Gianfreda said the festival was an opportunity to raise awareness of the company and the E-Warrior before it goes into full production.

“We are one of very few companies that offer a fully electric utility vehicle with this kind of capability.”