Trevor’s battery can give Britain its spark back
Things are looking gloomy for Britain, what with Parliament’s stalemate over Brexit and a monsoon-like October.
But I spotted a glint of light in your pages last week: the story of Trevor Jackson, who invented an electric car battery in his tiny Cornish workshop that will take you 1,500 miles with no need to charge. This is typical British ingenuity at its best and the sort of spirit we will have to rely upon come Brexit, whenever it happens.
The only fly in the ointment is that the car industry tried to thwart him. That’s why we should support people like Mr Jackson.
It’s only by challenging the vested interests in this country that we can change its narrative, and prepare us for an economic future different from our past.
R. Dean, London
I’m so glad Trevor Jackson never gave up on his revolutionary car battery, in spite of lengthy opposition from the motor industry. It’s a sad truth that detractors of inventions with the power to change the world are, in many cases, protecting their own interests, so Trevor’s determination is admirable.
If his legacy is a battery that is longer-lasting than anything available, and which is fully recyclable, he deserves praise for its environmental benefits and for making the lives of motorists easier.
Ann Johnson, Runcorn, Cheshire
How refreshing it was to forget about Brexit for a short time and read the amazing achievement of British engineer Trevor Jackson.
The story of his persistent push to invent a revolutionary electric car battery is something sadly lacking in our elected representatives more inclined to bring the country to its knees.
He claims his new battery is more efficient, lighter and has the ability to supply more energy per kilogram.
It is so innovative that Mr Jackson has managed to get the backing for a deal to start production on a large scale with a UK manufacturer.
It appears to be an invention of great value and I wish him well.
You pointed out similarities between him and that other great British inventor, Sir James Dyson, in that they initially worked in tiny workshops.
More recently, Sir James had visions of producing a new electric car, which has apparently floundered because it was not commercially viable.
Perhaps these two could get together and resurrect Dyson’s project using the batteries invented by Mr Jackson.
Such a venture would bring to the fore the importance of British inventions, put the Great back into Britain, and show the world we are still a country to be respected as leaders of industry.
Frank Haddock, Doncaster
What I love about Trevor Jackson’s battery is that you can recycle it at a supermarket.
The only downside would be if you drove your electric car to the supermarket to do it!
S. Day, Manchester