BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Electric car record attempt delay: "Electric car record attempt delay
The batteries needed recharging and winds foiled the team's attempt
A British team's second attempt at the official land speed record for an electric vehicle has been foiled by an 'electrical gremlin'.
The team's first go at the 394km/h (245mph) record in Nevada, US, had to be aborted on Thursday because of gusty winds and battery problems.
The bright orange, 10m-long (32ft) ABB e=motion car is powered by variable speed drives and two 37kW motors.
The official record was set by the US White Lightning vehicle in 1999.
E=motion also aims to be the first car of its kind to break the 483km/h (300mph) barrier.
'It's an electrical gremlin. It could be related to cold, damp temperatures in the Nevada desert,' said design engineer Colin Fallows.
'It's just one of those things - never get involved in cars,' added driver and fellow car developer, Mark Newby.
Record breaking is the only business that when you achieve your goal, you're redundant. You wait for the next guy to break it. Then you can start over
Colin Fallows, e=motion team
The torpedo-shaped e=motion vehicle has been developed by the two British engineers.
Thursday's first attempt was frustrated because auxiliary batteries for the car's electronic controls lost their full charge, said Mr Newby, a former pilot from Oxfordshire.
Strong cross winds which could have knocked the car off course whipped up while the batteries were being recharged, making the team wait a further day.
The team will now prepare for a final attempt at the closed-off highway it is using on Saturday.
A streetcar racing team is due to use the highway on Sunday, and the British team says it may not be able t".
