SEVENTY different electric vehicles lined the seafront yesterday as the London to Brighton rally arrived at the coast.
The vehicles made their way from Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens in London before arriving in Madeira Drive later in the day.
The event saw solar-powered cars, self-builds, and even an electric plane following the route to the city.
It is the second time the rally has been held, after last year’s event was called an “unprecedented success”.
Bill Murray, the event organiser, said: “The Rally was a fantastic day and a huge success.
“We had thousands of spectators, 70 entries and fabulous events in London and at our halfway point in Crawley.
“Madeira Drive hosted everything from solar car parking, solar cars, EDF’s renewable technologies and even a flyby from a Nebo electric plane - the only one in existence in the UK.”
The London to Brighton event was the first fully-electric vehicle rally to take place in England, and showcases the “latest in electric vehicle and solar technology” in the transport industry.
Harry Potter actor Mark Williams was among those who attended the event yesterday.
Tom Druitt is the CEO of The Big Lemon buses in Brighton, which has many electric vehicles in its fleet.
Tom is also the event's co-founder, speaking ahead of the event he said: “We now have a bigger and better event to look forward to tomorrow.
“The aim of the event is to demonstrate and celebrate the rapid development of electric vehicles and renewable energy technology and have a fun day in the process.
This year’s event was partnered with popular YouTube channel Fully Charged, whose shows are presented by TV star Robert Llewellyn – who featured in Red Dwarf, and Channel 4’s Scrapheap Challenge.
The rally left London at 7am, and stopped at Ifield Community College, West Sussex, at 8am, before finishing at Madeira Drive at 10am.
Hundreds of spectators were able to see the vehicles on display on the seafront until 2pm, and there were also interactive stands, live music, and displays from leading electric vehicle companies, and a test track.
Next year’s event will be London to Brighton to Paris via Newhaven.
Please go to www.londontobrighton.org to register interest in competing, sponsoring or exhibiting
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