I’m the boss of McLaren – our speedsters won’t be electric for years… here’s why
THE boss of McLaren has warned there won’t be any fully-electric supercars from the automaker for years.
Michael Leiters said petrol heads will have a long wait to get behind a high-performance electric car because, as yet, the technology just isn’t there.
He said the key element is the weight of the batteries which is currently far too heavy.
Leiters told Bloomberg Television: “Weight is super important, you need also the right range.
“I don’t expect this technology to be ready for real supercars before the end of the decade.”
Speaking from McLaren’s new showroom in Dubai, Leiters said it could not have a heavy car as they are not nimble.
He said: “Weight is at the core of our brand.
“We do not want to do an electric car which weighs two tons and then has 2,000 horsepower.”
Leiters added the weight would need to be reduced to the level of the models today, in the 1,500-kg (3,300-pound) range.
Manufacturers around the world are shifting their focus on to electric, zero-emission vehicles and makers of high-performance sports cars are following suit.
Leiters said he was open to the idea of an SUV model and that McLaren was focused on plug-in hybrids, as internal combustion engines are phased out.
McLaren’s sales around the world grew 52 per cent in the first half of this year to 1,292 vehicles, compared to the same period in 2022.
North America, Europe and Asia saw the biggest demand while the Middle East only accounts for around 2 per cent of the company’s sales volume.
Leiters said though that the region has huge potential and a large customer base.
It comes after EV drivers were warned in September about a little-known problem with the batteries which could cost you £15,000.
They were also warned in July that hot summer temperatures could seriously damage their car’s battery.
Meanwhile, former Top Gear star James May has also warned the UK isn’t ready for electric cars – as their batteries aren’t fit for drivers.