London to Paris EV run via Brighton launches at Soho House

Supporters of the London to Brighton Electric Vehicle rally attended a launch event at Soho House in Madeira Drive, Brighton, to celebrate the third year of the event - and this time it will be going across the Channel to Paris.

The rally is led by Bill Murray and Green city councillor Tom Druitt and aims to promote electric vehicles as a viable mode of transport.

Tom Druitt is the boss of the Big Lemon (Image: David McHugh / Brighton Pictures)

It started in 2021, with 71 electric vehicles taking the 59-mile route from Westminster to Brighton.

This year it will be the London to Paris Rally, with motorists taking the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry for the event, to be held on July 1 and 2.

Tom said: "It sets out to have a lot of fun, while celebrating the transition to a low-carbon economy.

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"We want everyone to celebrate what's already been possible, the progress we're making and to look forward to the future. We need to accelerate the transition to renewable technologies.

"Crucially, we want to show all the naysayers out there that this stuff works, and it's the future."

The rally will make a stop in Madeira Drive, which is home to many traditional motor racing events from the Brighton Speed Trials to the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which dates back to 1896.

The event will celebrate all things electric (Image: David McHugh / Brighton Pictures)

The rally is sponsored by some big players in the renewable energy and transport world such as EDF, Shell and Motability, a scheme to help disabled people remain mobile.

Tom added: "The fact that Motability are on board this year adds a whole new element. All the emphasis before was on renewable energy and zero-emission vehicles, and now we are wanting to make this accessible and available to everybody regardless of their circumstances.

"This is something for everyone."

It is hoped more than 100 people will join the journey, in all manner of vehicles from buses to home-built motorbikes.

Tom said: "My favourite people is meeting all the people that take part. Everyone has their own story to tell, I love seeing the collaborations and the relationships that are built, which can turn into amazing things."

Representatives from a range of innovative companies were at the launch, from electric car charging providers to electric van manufacturers.

The launch of the electric vehicle rally in Soho House (Image: David McHugh / Brighton Pictures)

Graham Precey is involved with the French section of the rally. He said: "This is the first rally between two European capitals. It's a huge signal that you can drive this distance without worrying.

"This is about getting a signal to people that everything is possible with electric vehicles."

The rally has launched a "golden ticket" scheme for two electric vehicle drivers to join the route between London and Paris free of charge.