Reinvented British sports car firm TVR has pledged to launch a fully electric version of its Griffith sports car by 2024 as part of a new push into electrification – which will begin by sponsoring a pair of Formula E World Championship races.
TVR will sponsor the Monaco E-Prix this weekend and the London E-Prix double-header on July 30/31, with the firm claiming it “marks a turning point” in its strategic direction as it moves towards electrification.
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Originally founded in 1946 and based in Blackpool, TVR was sold to Les Edgar and John Chasey in 2013, who have been working to reinvent the brand for a new era. The firm revealed the Griffith, powered by a Ford V8 engine, in 2017, and has been working on a new factory to produce the model in Ebbw Vale, Wales. After a number of delays, the firm says it is closing on being able to begin production at the site.
In a statement on the Formula E event sponsorship, TVR chairman Edgar said the deals “not only demonstrate our commitment to revolutionising the TVR brand, but to EV, and becoming a sustainable, net-zero business.
“Our plans to bring TVR EV’s to market are well underway, with the first of two models to be released shortly after the release of the newest Griffith and Limited-Edition Griffith EV models in 2024".
No further technical details have been released. However, TVR recently announced a joint venture with Ensorcia Metals Corporation, a lithium mining company, which is claims would both help fund production of the V8 Griffith and “ensure the supply chain” for future battery requirements.
Matt Scammell, Formula E’s commercial chief, said: “To see TVR, an iconic manufacturer of performance sports cars, crossover and make this commitment to electric is a significant milestone and aligned to Formula E’s vision of an electric future.”
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