Word on the street is that Richard Branson may jump into the electric car market with his Virgin empire. The hype around the news has been a little overblown, I think, as his statements were very vague and of the “yeah, maybe this will happen some day” variety, but it is certainly a sign of what the electric car market has achieved and become.
Note that Branson’s move would come on the back of his Formula E team. It’s that whole “trickle down from racing” thing.
Another notable quote was about Tesla being the hottest thing in the auto world. Obvious statement, but good to see it coming from someone like Branson.
But, yeah, let’s just jump into the quotes so that it’s completely clear what Branson stated, which is all from an interview with Bloomberg TV:
- “We have teams of people working on electric cars. So you never know, you may find Virgin competing with the Tesla in the car business as we do in the space business. We will see what happens.”
- “Tesla is as sexy as any other car on the road today.”
You can find more discussion about these statements over on the Tesla Motors Club forum.
A Virgin Group spokesperson also talked with Reuters about the matter.
“We are working with the Virgin Formula E team to develop the plan for next season’s cars,” Virgin Group spokesman Nick Fox told Reuters. “Our aim is to build a leading engine and car for next season. Maybe ultimately that could be used in the broader car market in the future.”
Interesting. But odd that he used the term “engine.” Or maybe Reuters misquoted him a bit?
Image: Richard Branson, via Prometheus72 / Shutterstock.com
IIRC Formula E provided stock vehicles for first season, but teams will be able to build their own next time.
That mean custom engines, custom firmware, custom batteries.
“Car” will have less of an effect given that current designs are top notch.
Tesla proved that OTA updates to firmware matter 😉
Maybe thats why such emphasis was placed on engine.
As a Brit I would love to see Branson in the game but just a thought; A Brit, a S. African and Germans; What does this say about American ingenuity ?
Chevy Volt, Chevy Bolt, Ford Fusion. Most EV tech originates from US colleges and national labs.
Saying he might build an electric car hardly puts him in the same class as Elon Musk.
I would like to see Branson get into electric cars, but not convinced this isn’t just a media moment for him. I don’t doubt he has a good heart and good intentions. However, we should keep a little context in mind before getting excited about this comment. Remember Branson’s Positherm 4 years ago?
http://cleantechnica.com/2011/09/28/responding-to-a-trillion-dollar-call-to-retrofit-buildings/
I was ready to change out my siding and roofing with this material. LOL, Where’s this wonder material to build houses with?