BBC's The One Show To Celebrate Electric Car Isle Of Wight Origin Story

Did you know that the first British electric car to go into mass production was made right here on the Isle of Wight?

BBC's The One Show will pay homage to the origin story this evening, with a segment presented by designer John Ackroyd's granddaughter, Moza.

It was half a century ago, in 1973, that Ryde based John designed the Enfield 8000 - decades before electric cars were as in demand as they are now.

Production company People Media - also based in Ryde - picked up the story, making a short film for The One Show.

Producer Tony Steyger said:

"The electric car was an innovation that was developed here, on the Island, like other engineering firsts, such as the Hovercraft.

"That was fifty years ago and it demonstrates the Island is actually ahead of the times rather than the other way round.

"This little car - ‘big enough for the dog or the shopping’ according to the 1970s ad - proves we really are a pioneering Island!"

The Electric Car film features interviews with Islanders Barry Price and Cllr Matthew Price - who own an up and running Enfield 8000 - and Cllr Michael Lilley who talks about innovation on the Island and ambitions for the future of sustainability in Ryde.

There is also rarely seen archival footage promoting the car.

Moza, who made her presenting debut for the piece, told Isle of Wight Radio:

"It was a brilliant experience to be part of this production and see it come to life from the concept stage through to the final film.

"As part of the filming, I also had the opportunity to take the Enfield 8000 out for a drive at Sandown Airport under Matthew’s supervision!"

Among his other many incredible achievements, John Ackroyd - who passed away in 2021 - designed and built the world's fastest car (Thrust 2) from a shed in Fishbourne, was part of record breaking hot air balloon feats and worked on a competitor to the hovercraft.

The One Show will air on BBC One from 7pm this evening (Thursday).