The history of the Electrathon (electric vehicle racing)

In 1979 Lucas threw out a challenge to inventors-´how far can you travel using two Lucas car batteries as the only source of power´? The challenge was taken up enthusiastically by 52 contestants and the Lucas Electrathon was born. Here, the author gives an historical overview of the event, arguing that such competitive events, ´racing´ in other circles, does improve the electric vehicle breed.