TVR won’t start customer deliveries of the Griffith for two more years but, at the same time, it is preparing for an electrified future.
The small British car manufacturer has, according to Pistonheads, announced a partnership with a lithium mining firm by the name of Ensorcia Metals Corporation. The company supplies green lithium from its patented extraction process and TVR intends on using the technology as it moves away from traditional powertrains in readiness for the UK’s ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030.
“Having access to advanced EV tech including supplies of green lithium via the leading, environmentally considerate process, is a hugely important element in ensuring that TVR will become a sustainable, net-zero business,” TVR chairman Les Edgar said in a statement.
Read Also: TVR Is Still Looking For More Money To Build The Griffith
TVR’s revival has hit numerous snags in the four years since the Griffith was first announced, so much so that deliveries aren’t expected to start until the end of 2023.
Earlier this year, the company received a £2 million ($2.77 million) loan as part of the UK government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). However, TVR has fallen short of the £25 million ($34.6 million) that it had hoped to raise to fund the development of the Griffith.
The launch of the Griffith has also been delayed by the Welsh government’s move to purchase 3 per cent of the automaker, which mean it is now considered a state-funded company under European Union regulations and was forced to take EU-wide bids for the renovation of its factory in Ebbw Valey, South Wales.
When the TVR Griffith does finally reach the hands of customers, it will do so with a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 500 hp that’s enough to send the car to 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than four seconds and through to a 200 mph (320 km/h) top speed.
