![](https://www.lanemotormuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/enfield_e_8000_1975_750px_web1a-700x562.jpg)
Enfield E8000- 1975
The Enfield 8000 was created on the Isle of Wight by the Enfield company, owned by Greek shipping tycoon Giannis Goulandris. The Enfield had its roots in marine engine manufacturing before hiring an ex-Apollo space program engineer to design a new electric car for the company.
The 8000 could obtain a maximum speed of 37mph, but it could only travel relatively short distances. It was powered by two banks of 12-volt lead-acid batteries that weighed 680 lbs., stored both in front of the passengers’ feet and in the rear compartment. The 8000 was a 2-pedal vehicle with a “throttle” pedal which controlled the speed of the electric drive motor and a brake pedal.
The Enfield 8000 was not the first electric car to exist, but it was a completely new design created to cater to urban life in the wake of the energy crisis of the 1970s. However, this little car never gained much public interest due to nearly half of the cars produced being bought by the British Council of Electricity in a failed attempt to promote fuel-efficient vehicles. Eventually, production of the car was moved to Greece due to labor strikes, but ceased production in 1976 due to low public interest after only selling around 40 units to the general public.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Enfield Automotive Ltd.
Origin: Cowes, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
Drivetrain Configuration: Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 48-volt DC motor
Transmission: Single speed plus reverse
Top Speed: 37mph
Years of Production: 1973-1976
Number Produced: 100-120
Original Cost: £2,800 (~$6,200)