(Wed 21 May 08)

Liberty Electric Cars is a new Oxford-based company which is investing £30 million into converting luxury models and 4x4s - such as the Range Rover pictured here - into electric vehicles.

"The Liberty Electric Range Rover takes electric vehicle technology into a new sector, to large luxury cars that people aspire to drive, particularly in cities and urban environments where environmental controls are becoming increasingly tighter," says company founder and CEO Barry Shrier, whose previous work includes developing the Pay Box mobile payment system when he was Managing Director of Deutsche Bank.

"The Liberty Electric Range Rover will drive cleanly and quietly around roads and cities, free of tax, congestion and parking charges, making less environmental impact than even the smallest, most fuel efficient car, yet still offering the comfort and security of a luxury 4x4."

Liberty's is certainly aiming high. The company reckons its production will reach "tens of thousands" each year - not immediately, of course, but "as legislation, social awareness and technological advances accelerate change in transport choices".

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