Is Dyson about to launch an electric car?

INVENTOR Sir James Dyson is set to reveal plans to build electric cars in Britain today, it is understood.

His high-tech firm, famed for its vortex vacuum cleaner, hand dryers and bladeless fans, has been recruiting talent from the car and technology industry.

It is thought that Dyson will unveil the early stages of an electric vehicle at its headquarters in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.

This would pose a threat to Silicon Valley giant Tesla, the electric car firm founded by billionaire elon Musk, which has itself already shaken up the older, more established motoring firms.

expectations about what Dyson was developing mounted after car makers accelerated their plans for electric vehicles.

Mini revealed its own all-electric vehicle ahead of this month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Meanwhile, Jaguar Land rover and Aston Martin are among many preparing to launch their own new electric and hybrid cars.

A car division would signal a significant expansion for Dyson which, until now, has focused on consumer goods.

Last year Aston Martin’s product development director Ian Minards was recruited by Dyson, and was followed last month by Aston’s long-serving director of purchasing David Wyer. It is understood that a designer from Tesla has also been recruited. Dyson has also purchased a battery company, and has been recruiting computer experts specialised in ‘machine learning’, a technology essential to the development of selfdriving cars.

The Government previously revealed that it has given the company funding to develop an electric vehicle, which it is hoped will create 500 jobs and secure £174million of investment.

A spokesman for Dyson would not discuss future products.