Drayson B12 electric race car hits the track

Chris Harris of "Drive" got behind the wheel of the 850-hp, Drayson B12 electric race car in his latest online feature. Drayson will be one of the teams competing for the Formula E World Championship.

Harris first talks to Lord Drayson about the car that he created. Drayson says they started with a Le Mans Prototype car, swapped in an electric drivetrain and then added technologies to see how far and fast they could go. Drayson says that he's most proud of the performance they've been able to achieve while staying within a 2,202-pound weight limit.

Harris and Drayson go into the technological aspects of electric vehicles, talking both street cars and race cars. Drayson says that, in just five years, electric cars and battery efficiency will be much better than it is now. He also mentions that the Drayson team has a head start. Finally, Harris jumps into the car.

During a few nearly silent hot laps on a lonely airstrip, Harris marvels at the car's speed and lack of sound. He also comments on how good the brakes are and, of course, the acceleration.

At the end, we get a little tour of the dash and steering wheel, along with the big red HV button, meaning high-voltage. Did we mention the B12 has nearly 3,000 lb-ft of torque?

To put a period on it, Harris races the B12 in a 550-hp Jaguar XFR-S and gets predictably smoked.

By Jake Lingeman