EV Cup supports the 'Start Eco Car Trials'

Start is the creation of HRH The Prince of Wales to help people across the UK lead more sustainable lives. Start aims to demonstrate what a more energy efficient, cleaner and healthier future could look like and how each individual can make a start…

On Friday 18 June, Kevin McCloud (designer, TV presenter and Eco-Rally guest driver) and Roger Saul (creator of Mulberry and the organic ‘Field to Fork’ brand) will launch the Start Eco Car Trials across Roger’s magnificent Kilver Court Viaduct in Somerset.

The two friends, both known for their competitive nature are both avid speed merchants. Roger has recorded the fastest time of the day at Brighton Speed Trials in his 1934 Alfa P3, but has reluctantly given up car racing as it conflicts with his eco credentials. Whilst Kevin, a great skier, created havoc on the Top Gear leader board by scoring remarkably in the Top Gear ‘Fastest Lap’ chart.

With official timekeeper TAG HEUER and support from the EV Cup, the Start Eco Car Trials will pit some of the latest and most innovative Eco cars against each other in a sprint trial across Roger Saul’s private listed viaduct.

In the 0‐60mph race challenge, Roger and Kevin will put each car to the test looking at speed, all round capability and innovative design aiming to establish the ‘Best Eco Super Car’ and ‘Best Eco Runabout’ by the end of the series. The first cars lined up to undergo the challenge are the Californian Tesla Roadster super car and the Norwegian THINK Electric Car. The South East of England will get a chance to see both cars in action when they drive from Brighton to London in the Bridgestone Eco-Rally on Wednesday 7th July 2010.

This is the first of the Start Eco Car Trials series which will take place in the lead up to the Start Eco Car Spectacular, the brainchild of Roger Saul, as part of Start’s ‘A Garden Party to Make a Difference’ taking place in London and running from the 8‐19 September 2010.

HRH Prince of Wales is a long-standing supporter of low-carbon vehicles, launching the inaugural Brighton to London Eco-Rally in 2007.