World Record Holders

Black Current Layer 1

8.0s
Quarter Mile
165+
MPH Top Speed
100%
Electric
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Our Story

Welcome to
Current Racing

BC4 is currently the world's quickest "street legal" electric car, covering a ¼ mile from a standing start in record-breaking time and reaching terminal speeds that push the boundaries of what's possible with electric power.

Based on a Volkswagen New Beetle body shape, the car represents years of innovation, engineering excellence, and relentless pursuit of speed. The team is constantly evolving the car, pushing for new records with every run.

Designer & crew chief
Olly Young
Driver
Sam Young
car chief 
Stella harkins 
DATA Analyst 
Paul Grasby
The Journey

Evolution of Speed

From humble beginnings to world record holder — trace the evolution of Black Current through four generations of electric racing innovation.

2004

Black Current 1

21.41s
Quarter Mile
53.75
MPH
2005-08

Black Current 2

14.41s
Quarter Mile
87.00
MPH
2010-22

Black Current 3

8.28s
Quarter Mile
151
MPH
2024 Latest

BC4

8.04s
Quarter Mile
166 
MPH
The Latest Machine

Black Current 4

Our most advanced build yet — engineered for unprecedented speed and designed to rewrite the record books.

1.2MW
Peak Power
8.04s
Quarter Mile
800V
System Voltage
166+
MPH Top Speed
Technical Breakdown

Component Deep Dive

01 — BODY

Carbon Fibre Construction

Fully carbon fibre body shell, featuring advanced redesigned aerodynamics. The lightweight construction maximizes power-to-weight ratio while maintaining structural integrity at extreme speeds. Acrylic windows throughout reduce weight while providing visibility.

Material: Carbon Fibre Windows: Acrylic Weight Savings: 40%
02 — MOTORS

Quad 301mm Inline Configuration

Four high-performance 301mm AC motors arranged inline, delivering unprecedented torque and power. The setup includes an advanced two-speed gearbox with solenoid-operated gear changes completing in a fraction of a second for seamless power delivery.

Config:  Quad 301mm Inline Gearbox: 2-Speed Solenoid Type: Axial Flux AC
03 — DRIVETRAIN

Ford 9" Rear Differential

The gearbox couples directly to a reinforced prop shaft feeding into a Ford 9" rear differential. Connected via 4-link suspension for optimal traction, paired with massive 10x15" wheels wrapped in 275/50R15 Mickey Thompsons for maximum grip off the line. 

Diff: Ford 9" Suspension: 4-Link Tyres: Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S  Wheels: 10x15"Weld Racing
04 — BATTERIES

High-Density Lithium Pack

Custom battery pack featuring over 1,000 Lithium Cobalt Oxide cells (LiCoO₂) arranged for optimal power delivery and weight distribution. The pack is designed for maximum discharge rates required for quarter-mile runs while maintaining thermal stability.

Cells: 1000+ LiCoO₂ Voltage:  800V Nominal Chemistry: Lithium Cobalt Oxide
05 —INVERTERS

CASCADIA MOTION PM150- DZR    

Four high-voltage motor inverters capable of handling over 1600 Amps combined. Each PM150 unit delivers 320kW peak at 800V, providing precise throttle response and programmable acceleration curves for different track conditions. 

Units:  4x PM150-DZR Power:  320kW each Voltage:  800V
06 — CHARGING SYSTEM

Infypower REG1K025G 

High-power charging system utilizing a REG1K025G – 20kW 1000V Charger Module By Infypower coupled with a GB/T DC plug, charging from 32A three-phase supply. Integrated BMS by EV parts monitors individual cell voltages and temperatures for safe, balanced charging up to 800V pack voltage. 

Charger:  Infypower REG1K025G  BMS: By EV Parts  Input: 32A 3-Phase Pack Voltage:  800V
Heritage

The Legacy

Every generation pushed boundaries and set new benchmarks for electric drag racing.

Vehicle 1965 Volkswagen Beetle
Motor Triple 9" Inline Series Wound DC
Drivetrain 2-Speed Gearbox, Ford 9" Diff, 4-Link Suspension
Controller Dual Z2K-HV (680kW each @ 440V)
Batteries 864x Lithium Cobalt Oxide Cells (LiCoO₂)
Body Carbon Fibre Front & Rear Wings, Acrylic Windows
Charger Manzanita Micro PFC30, Orion BMS, 400V
Vehicle 1973 Volkswagen Beetle
Motor 2x ADC-8 (later 2x Impulse 9) Series Wound DC
Drivetrain Custom Chain Box, Independent Direct Drive
Controller Cafe Electric Z2K-HV
Batteries 40x SVR-14 (12V Lead-Acid Gel)
Voltage 240 Volts
Conversion Time 8 Months
Conversion Cost ~£10,000
Vehicle 1970 Volkswagen Beetle
Motor Morrison Electric Milkfloat Series Wound DC (from 1960s)
Drivetrain Beetle Gearbox Close-Coupled to Motor
Controller 3 Contactors with Field Weakening Resistor
Batteries Lead-Acid Flooded 12V Leisure Batteries (Fiamm)
Voltage 144 Volts
Range ~1 Mile (Built for Quarter Mile)
Conversion Time 3 Weeks
Conversion Cost £500