Lola and Drayson Racing have come together to build the first all-electric Le Mans race car to be called the B12/69EV as a Le Mans Prototype (LMP).  The goal of the first generation of the car will be to set potential records in single lap time runs and to attempt an in-pit inductive charging setup.

The LMP B12/69EV will have 850 horsepower pushing its wheels and be capable of speeds over 200 miles per hour.  Lithium Nanophosphate battery cells from A123 Systems will provide power to the motors mounted in each wheel of the car.  Those motors will be axial flux Oxford YASAs.  The transmission normally found in a Le Mans racer will be gone and the space used for batteries instead – the batteries will run along the center line of the car’s body, providing low-centered weight stability.

In looks, the car will appear as any other LMP until the body is lifted by mechanics.  Unlike other LMPs, of course, while the B12/69EV is on the track, it won’t make any loud engine noises either.

The Lola Group hopes to have the prototype on the track for next season’s events.

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