Pipistrel Velis Electro race tested by James May and Richard Hammond

Above: (left to right) James May and Richard Hammond.
Courtesy Aerovolt

The legendary TV motoring duo completed their epic challenge in a 100 mile race across three counties of the UK and ending at Dunsfold Aerodrome, the old Top Gear test track, which has been captured on film. It marked the duo’s first visit to the historic location in a decade.

The race featured the Aerovolt Pipistrel Velis Electro being challenged by Porsche’s flagship electric Taycan Turbo GT model, with 1108 PS and capable of 0-62mph in 2.3 seconds.

James May said: “It’s been a while since we did an absurd race…"

Starting at Henstridge Aerodrome in Somerset, the pair set off in their well renowned 3-2-1 radio countdown style, launching down the runway. Richard immediately took the lead in the Taycan, turning off the runway, with James in the Velis Electro soon getting airborne.

Richard chose the fastest route by road, reminiscing of travelling to work during his time filming Top Gear, whilst James leisurely flew to Thruxton Race Circuit for lunch and a charging stop. Both James and Richard arrived within minutes of each other at the finish line after Gambon corner at Dunsfold with James pipped at the post by Hammond.

The film echoed a famous Top Gear race between a Cessna, flown by James (with Richard as passenger) and a Bugatti Veyron, which aired exactly 20 years ago.

A few month’s prior to filming, Aerovolt were secretly approached by DriveTribe and Porsche who had teamed up with Richard and James to help try and realise their unique idea. The pair wanted to have a race between an electric car and an electric plane, which was only recently been made possible due to Aerovolt’s electric aircraft charging infrastructure that has been installed at numerous airports in the UK, including Henstridge and Thruxton. It allowed for point to point flying across a publicly accessible network, as otherwise, the current electric aircraft available would not be able to fly anywhere but around their home airports.

Not unlike races of the past, James and Richard insisted the race is run 100% for real, with no special edits or trickery. Richard said: “We always ran them for real and what happens on the day happens on the day.”

Thruxton Race Circuit, previously used in Top Gear challenges, was chosen as the charging stop for the aircraft, where James used Aerovolt’s Squadron system to activate the charger.

The Taycan Turbo GT had 105 kWh battery with a range of 421 miles, whereas the Velis Electro had a 20 kWh battery with a one hour range or 100 miles (86 nautical miles). Although the aircraft was flown within VFR (visual flight rules) limits for a film of the challenge.

Joining James for the flight was Aerovolt’s founder & CEO, Philip Kingsley-Dobson, who was there to assist with the aircraft. Philip said: “A lot of planning went into the race and on the day we battled wind and rain, as well as James enjoying his lunch longer than expected. But in the end, we arrived less than 10 minutes after Richard did in the Taycan.”

James May said: "I like the electric lifestyle, it’s smooth, quiet and polite."

Aerovolt, founded in late 2022, are a charging network for electric aircraft. Championing the new industry, they have over 250 airports across the UK, USA and Australia aligning with the British company to install infrastructure for a host of new electric aircraft types coming to market, including air-taxi eVTOL models.