The electric car was already mass-produced in the 70s

In the 1970s, an electric car was produced on the Greek island of Syros. The car was called Enfield 8000 One of the world’s first mass-produced electric cars. It was created by Greek billionaire Giannis Goulandris.

Enfield Automotive, as the company was called, was based on the British Isle of Wight – Giannis also lived in England.

With roots in the 60s

In the 1960s, the British government explored various possibilities to design and build an electric car. And so the seed for the Enfield 8000 was sown.

The car met all the requirements that the car had to be manufactured in Great Britain. However, Giannis looked across the Atlantic to America.

When Ronald Reagan was governor of California, he brought three cars home on a cargo plane to support a bill specifically related to emissions. However, production did not begin in the United States and it is unclear what happened to the cars.

The Enfield 8000 was produced in several copies

A total of 120 cars were produced, of which 65 were used by various authorities in southern England.

One is on display at the Transport Museum in Carlton Colville, England.

After some time, production was transferred to Greece.

Why is it not properly stated that it is attributed to a Greek owner? Giannis Goulandris, It was believed that because it was nationalistic and a car made by Greeks and designed by Greeks, it should be built by Greeks.

When the oil crisis hit in the early 70s this car was considered more efficient. However, in 1977, production ceased as the tax system in Greece did not favor electric cars.

Performance was not its forte – it reached 50kn in 13 seconds, while the top speed was 77 kilometers per hour.

The range is said to be up to 8 miles, but that’s when driving at slow speeds. This car is perfect for city driving or driving around a small Greek island.

read more: Here are five electric cars you probably didn’t know about [Dagens PS]