British built project electric Beetle drag car promises to become the world's fastest EV

[@ollyyoung6193]

Hi All, Thanks for your comments. There is a mistake in the video regarding the 6500HP. This number was created by incorrectly multiplying BHP by the rear gear ratio. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to correct the video before it was published. Apologies, was not intentional click bait.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thanks for the feedback Olly. These things happen. Can't wait to see the low numbers coming in.

[@timmymallett1]

I woundt worry. It took me 5 minutes for the penny to drop on 'Blackcurrent' so if I'm reflective of you're average view then you won't get too many Dislikes :)

[@whitemonkey7932]

@@TheLateBrakeShow i'm involved with drive systems...from a look at things they may have about 1MW or 1500hp available

[@JonathanEzor]

No worries, Olly! I'll be thinking of your car when I pick up my 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT tomorrow.

[@d2doctor]

I was wondering where you'd hidden the locomotive traction motor 😆

[@Lot76CARS]

The diversity of content on your channel is brilliant, one minute you’re digging a rusty XR4i out from a garage and the next an electric powered VW Beetle drag car.. Love it Jonny!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers. We wouldn’t know how to do anything else. Too boring!

[@jamesward7425]

Olly clearly has an incredible talent for engineering. The packaging is beautiful. All hail Brits doing great things in sheds.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

The fact that BC3 crashed into the wall at 140mph and the battery didn't ignite is a testament to how well this is put together.

[@_autoverse]

Love the engineering behind this. Especially as the original idea behind the Black Current and it’s subsequent generations was born from rummaging around a scrapyard.

[@ollyyoung6193]

Thank you.

[@johnbewick6357]

And using no less than an electric milk float motor, which probably did more long term harm for the credibility of electric vehicles than any other single thing. They have certainly made a great job of this latest creation. Be nice to see them at Goodwood next year up against the Mc Murtry in a drag shoot out.

[@charl_k]

On looks alone, this thing's a winner. Factor in the engineering and top notch workmanship, it's just sooooo impressive. Well done!👍

[@GasoliniASMR]

The ingenuity and creativity of all the garage builders on display here fills me with positivity. As do the wind turbines in the background. Another great video.

[@TheSuperFinish]

The camerawork and direction coupled with the soundtrack where on point this episode! You continue to amaze me with the awesome content Johnny!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

💛

[@edkeech5028]

Absolutely outstanding from Sam and Olly as usual. Two of the nicest guys you’d ever meet too. Can’t wait to see how BC4 develops. Racing BC3 was one of the eeriest races I had. Can’t wait to line up with BC4 ❤

[@MrOvershoot]

Olly does himself down when he says EV Parts have some really clever guys, he's a super clever guy himself. Love your doing some more Drag Car stuff 👍

[@PilotEJ401]

This is a great behind the scenes effort Jonny! Damn those guys are on top of the specialized tech needed in this application, very impressive!

[@matthewharrison8121]

I worked on the project constructing those 3 wind turbines. Always makes me smile seeing them in the background.

[@-MacCat-]

Great vid Jonny, and team. Thanks for highlighting Sam and Olly as they are the nicest, most pleasant, no fluff, no bullsh!t, head down/@arse up examples of what can be done with EVs. I'm looking forward to seeing that gem chip away at setting records.

[@tabasco_taz5804]

I saw black current run back in the day when my dad raced in vwdrc. I saw this car run on Saturday at Santa Pod, nice to see the guys still racing.

[@mwheatley2365]

I’m not into drag racing, beetles or electric vehicles (although can appreciate why people are) …but despite that, I found this absolutely fascinating! 👍

[@christopherdean1326]

Serious question, what made you click on a video about an electric, drag-racing Beetle then???????

[@martycrush6412]

Recommended 🤔🤣🤣. Me too M Wheatley 👌🏻👏🏻

[@mwheatley2365]

@@christopherdean1326 I’m a Late Brake Show subscriber and generally watch all of Jonny’s content regardless of whether im initially interested in it or not…and im not usually disappointed!

[@rotorhead5006]

@@christopherdean1326 cos it's Jonnyvision! 😃

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

LOVE comments like this.!! 💯 what we’re after.

[@scottcabot5039]

Their skill level astounds me, what dedication to the build this looks on camera like a quality build too and I’m sure it genuinely is, wow really impressive. So great to share this deep dive Jonny 👍

[@chrisestill8825]

Absolutely brilliant built. Extremely well thought out build and expertly crafted.

[@pan6593]

Camera, editing, music - excellent! Along with Jonny, of course!

[@rampanttwattery4844]

Incredibly talented engineers. Stunning. Further proof that men in sheds can build anything.

[@Dudleymiddleton]

Man, I wish I still had my first ever car - a '72 1300 beetle, with not quite the acceleration of this black beauty!

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

Thanks Jonny and all. That's a very tidy build. Thanks for the annotations on screen too. Very helpful.

[@gsmith207]

Just badass! Never thought at 55 I would say that about an electric car this early. I grew up on Star Wars so kinda knew the tech was gonna catch up. Glad it’s here. Imagine 20 years from now what it will be like! So awesome

[@TheProjectOverload]

Just wanted to say - Love the intro music and matching footage. Appreciate the editing effort here 😎

[@bengraham6672]

That fabrication work on the chassis and packaging is phenomenal 👏

[@jerrydonnan8665]

Superb level of detail- these guys are experts. Lets see Moggy (ECC) run his beetle against the Young brothers - that would be worth watching.

[@AutomotiveAnatomy]

i am so glad the driver was okay from the original bug. Amazing work fellas.

[@nomoreheroes93]

People like Olly and Sam will be looked back on as pioneers in electric automotive industry - I've worked on EVs since 2015 and the impact these smaller operations have on all the EVs we see on the road today is hugely underappreciated.

[@neillgatley8770]

What brilliant engineering. Thanks for bringing the blackcurrant to a wider world. This week, lots of KZbinrs have read an ioneq 6 press release with a car in the background. Only Jonny seeks out the unique and inspirational. This is why I like and subscribe OTSOT.

[@ManxAndy]

Never actually heard of Sam and Olly before…….or their EV drag racing, , Olly is an actual god, what a guy, so unassuming, but so damn professional, just getting on with it, and he will get a 7 second run out of Blackcurrent 4……👍🇮🇲🔥💪

[@Phillc748]

Grew up with these guys in the same town, always hearing stories of there escapades!! Glad they are making a success of it

[@g0fvt]

Great content, I am sure many of us caught the typo, no big deal. I was a follower of White Zombie so stumbled across Blackcurrent a while back in one of the earlier versions. Well done to the guys for building this, I am sure it was a strangely lonely feeling at first turning up to race. Modest characters without hype and BS, and a beautifully presented and engineered car, great stuff.

[@gee3883]

I remember seeing these fellas at the pod. When I first looked in the back I thought they had pulled the engine, then realised it was electric. As I was talking to them a young fella in his 20's on a mobility cart who had apparently had an accident said hey how fast do ya think you could get this to go ? one of them said dunno maybe 35 40, he said give me your number, he then pooped a wheelie in the cart onto it's mini wheelie bars across the pits lol. Anyone knocking electric racing will soon see this is an entirely different experience watching this, the one thing I liked that you don't get with ice cars is the noise from the tyres screaming for traction it's a very satisfying new noise to experience.

[@jel5034]

The quiet guys are always more focused. Cracking episode Jonny.

[@shadowred1980]

Great to see, I remember the prev car from you were building the flux. Keep telling the stores and we will keep tuning in. :)

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

👍🏻

[@HaulYouNeedisLove]

What a great episode. True ground-up (and torn up!) engineering. Impressive and inspiring. Before the Dino- juice burners are gone, I would really like to see more on the Drag Racing scene, and the mind-boggling performance. One episode on Super Street and Pro-Modified classes, and another on Top Alcohol and Top Fuel. Some spectacular potential, and Johnny, you'd really do it justice. Suggest filming at The European Finals in September at the 'Pod.

[@mroctarine]

Never underestimate the ability of a couple of blokes in a shed. Fabulous, will keep an eye open for them.

[@RHM6x4]

Well done, another well executed and artfully edited piece of video journalism - when in the USA with work I made good friends with a club drag racer, fantastic times at the local dragstrip, and weekend treks to next state challenge events, him running his 68 Dodge Dart (seen him do a 9.7 1/4 - happy days with some of the friendliest, sincere folks I have ever met - I can just imagine turning up in that, there minds would be blown !

[@alistairl]

This is brilliant, a good looking car and great to see the neatness of the install. (Bizarrely reminds me of my PC build at home) - I hope it is possible to follow their development.

[@adrianharrison5208]

Well that was not what I was expecting, to be honest I was really blown away with the quality of the work that has gone into that drag car and how professional those two are.. Really enjoyed watching that video, thanks for producing it and I have to go and watch this team for myself

[@lordbungle6235]

Olly and Sam are what made Britain GREAT, Two people thinking outside the box, pushing the boundaries of what is thought to be the limit. I have nothing but respect for them. Slightly sad that their pits look slightly less like the set of Weird Science these days. have to agree Jonny get back on the 1/4. you know you want too.

[@whitemoor66]

Top notch engineering and talent from some very humble people. Brilliant episode.

[@kiteless1]

Incredible build and probably the most credible presenter to showcase it. Can’t wait to see what it will do once they’re up to speed.

[@laurean5998]

11:08 it draws 640KW of electricity to produce 5000KW of mechanical energy? Give those men a nobel prize, they just broke the first law of thermodynamics and solved the world energy crisis!

[@gasdive]

Even the battery pack. 22 kWh, 70C = ~1500 kW out of the pack. Not that you could put 6500 hp down anyway.

[@RadRidesByCru]

Based on their figures @11:08 "640kw" produces "6500whp" as they're multiplying motor output by rear axle gearing. Typical EV gearing is roughly 8-to-1... 6500/640=7.57 gearing... so, no additional energy was actually created.

[@secondcomingsinglecab]

All hail the Gluebird 🏁👍😎 Awesome to see the Young's out with BC4, in 2004 I ran against them in my bus, 18's at the time. Great to see the progression 😎👍

[@SidewaysStew]

Quality craftsmanship throughout this monster drag machine..

[@rapidbluesko]

Olly and Sam have done an incredible job to get round all the rules the MSA have put in their way. I found it was bad when I needed an 'EV Passport' to race an OEM Nissan Leaf in Sportsman E/T. Its great to see them out again.

[@JxH]

11:06 FYI, "640kW" is about 858 hp. If the peak EV power is 640 kW, and it's 100% EV, then the peak power should be on the order of 858hp. What am I missing ?

[@ollyyoung6193]

Looking at the Nm capabilities of the motors each motor should produce a considerable amount more hp at 5-6000rpm. Multiplied by the rear diff gear (4.10) for rear wheel hp.

[@JxH]

@@ollyyoung6193 If the peak power is 640kW, then the peak power is also 858hp; as these two values are equivalent. More or less 'Metric vs Imperial', nothing more and nothing less. P.S. A kilowatt is merely a fat horsepower (1.34102hp); about +a-third. In reverse, 745.7 watts = 0.7457kW = 1.0 hp.

[@JxH]

@@ollyyoung6193 "Multiplied by the rear diff gear (4.10) for rear wheel hp", oh no no no no. Horsepower is NEVER multiplied by a gear ratio. Torque is, but the RPM drops across the gear set to keep the power the same. If power could be multiplied by a gear set, then energy could be created. P.S. Perhaps I'm misinterpreting what you wrote, or intended to write, there.

[@tracynation2820]

Overloading the electric motors for a short time. 💙 T.E.N. Edit: But not 6,500 horsepower. That would burn rubber all of the way down the track.

[@john_p]

Think someone added an extra zero by mistake, clearly this is not 6500hp, not even half that

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Cracking episode Jonny. Big respect to the Current Racing boys. Can't wait to see that car in the flesh and do some flat out runs. 😎⚡👍

[@mrfish3915]

The electrical engineering that went into this is amazing, it’s a whole different engineering science. I still prefer the sound and smell of gasoline so hopefully EV can be a category not a complete replacement

[@stablinskee]

I’ll have to admit that I never really took to you on the telly. Not disliked at all, just ambivalent. But honestly, I love your channel. Absolutely fantastic content, wonderfully presented and totally authentic. Love the way you keep car stats in a notebook when you’re doing reviews - just so real. Brilliant stuff.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Tv is heavily scripted and ultimately someone else’s bag. Others can do that kind of thing, but I always struggled with the lack of authenticity… Hence why I went it alone. Cheers, means a lot 👍🏻

[@stablinskee]

@@TheLateBrakeShow Yep, the channel oozes authenticity. At the end of the day, when you see someone who’s clearly passionate about what he’s doing, it makes a pretty bloody compelling watch. Keep up the fantastic work, many a crap day made a little less grinding with your channel.

[@bad-bunnyblogger8171]

Hahaha I pay respect to that bluebird too. I've been going on and off since 94' it's always there. It's iconic in its own right. My dad had the Bluebird ZX Turbo. 87' D Plate. Very Rare cars.

[@Barefoot_Joe]

I love and respect someone who knows the difference between quick and fast ;)

[@markoverton5858]

This is British at its best I wish them the best success and be safe, thanks Johnny for this vlog, will be looking out for the progress 👍👍👍❤️

[@guygillmore2970]

So great to see no sponsors, no branding just knowledge and enthusiasm

[@vokstar]

Might need some personal family merch, T-shirt that says Chops says no! Cheers for the vid, really cool looking build and hope they do well.

[@bubandit06]

VW should have always gone EV with the Beetle instead of killing it off.

[@evolv.e]

Knowing VW, (and with the arrival of the Buzz) the Beetle will return in electric form.

[@SidewaysStew]

Love the clean simple look of the bodywork.. Awesome

[@darrenfisher1399]

Great video, Jonny. I had the honour of seeing your record breaking run in Flux Capacitor. Like a scolded cat!

[@johntisbury]

Love your channel it's so varied and interesting. You excel at making different types of automotive accessible and interesting.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

That’s the aim. Everything and anything 👍🏻

[@simpletim]

Thanks!

[@Kangenpower7]

I own a 2017 Ford C-Max plug in hybrid. I am very happy with it's ability to pass people and get up to 70 while getting onto the freeway, when I really want to push the car to go quickly. All that torque from a electric motor is Great! And driving 18 miles on only $0.70 in electricity is wonderful! I rode in a Rivian EV truck, and yes it really does go 0-60 MPH in 3 seconds, and pushes you back into your seat. Like riding a fast roller coaster ride!

[@SnoodyMcFlude]

Can't wait to see this at Pod some time, didn't get back into the sport until after the BC3 and Enfield had stopped running so keen to see some fast EV stuff....and also V8s with massive blowers and TF dragsters too

[@charleshines8523]

I saw a clip of a classic Beetle converted to electric. It is so quick if you blink you miss it!! What I like more is that electric vehicles are often silent too (very little if any noise).

[@FlyingFun.]

Love it, I've built loads of RC stuff and for the last 20 years it's been electric and the power available is just ridiculous, loads of fun to be had from ev.

[@daviddemarco183]

Brilliant stuff!! These boys need to get on social media to drum up interest and support!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

They really do...

[@deanwebb4809]

Johnny your videos are awesome. I know it must be hard but keep it up. BRILLIANT BUD

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Done!

[@Ralph2]

Such a pro looking build. Very nice indeed guys 👍

[@kelxone]

Love to see guys like them taking ev power to the drag strip without any sponsorships. Must be great doing it with one's brother as well I'd imagine.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

No sponsors, so they can play their own game.

[@rcjbvermilion]

I'd love to know more about the axial flux motors they are using. I'm still surprised they aren't more common, given the power density.

[@weldorman8495]

Now THAT is a beautifully built project. Congratulations!

[@michaelfreeman5933]

Wow! what a build. Talented guys. Imagine seeing that pull up beside you at the traffic lights in town

[@spinnetti]

Love it - super clean and pro. Very tiny tubes on the cage! I'd still have my 13' Bug if it was RWD or AWD lol. Video intro nicely shot and arranged too. "Street Legal" seems to mean almost nothing in the UK compared to the US. You guys are lucky - practically anything is street legal.

[@joshuagies4900]

Brilliant! Love the project. Thank you for featuring them!

[@MADMODS]

this is epic I'm really into fast evs and it's going to be the future. this is a really cool 2 guys and a passion for speed.

[@jimbethpiggy]

All Started From A Milk Float Motor In An Old Beetle ..Two Brothers Have Vision No Doubt .

[@jonnyxs892]

Got to see that again J when it’s dialled in Interesting bloke and build 👍

[@shikoku14]

I’m going to need to rewatch this a few times 🤯 brilliant stuff! That second gen new Beatle I’ve always thought would be a lovely looking EV, this is the filthy brother of the car I had in my mind 🤣

[@ceegold2583]

These episodes are getting better and better. Addictive

[@paulmichaelfreedman8334]

Black current. That is one hell of an original name.

[@terminal-velocity111]

My wife demanded I liked this before I watched 🤣. She’s driving her 03 Beetle V5 sport since buying it new. She wants an EV Beetle!!!!!!!!!

[@elole975]

"My wife demanded I liked this before I watched" If she's controlling to that level, run away as fast and as far away as you can, trust me 💀

[@nikonordman7624]

@@elole975 somebody definitely has not ever touched a woman

[@Klackala]

ooh. cool story! i want to see it competing! also, the sound and video is getting better!!

[@bdeithrick]

The Youngs played in AC/DC as well. Top brothers .

[@Markcain268]

Nice job, impressive performance, seen a lot of videos about fast EVs, but, despite their speed I just can't seem to get as interested in them as I am in ice, I suppose they can't be everyone's cup of tea!

[@rodneymounsey4168]

That is nice piece of kit, please do follow up on how they are getting on!

[@brabbysmarty]

Interesting to note the wind turbine in the background. Kind of appropriate I think. 😏

[@TheKiltedYaksman1]

Amazing build, but I don't guess I understand how ~6500hp is only good for 7 seconds.

[@christopherdean1326]

Me neither. That much power in even a steel-bodied, fully equipped Beetle should be quicker than that, surely? But then again, it's hauling a metric sh*tload of batteries as well......

[@arthemis1039]

@@christopherdean1326 Not really, it is only 22kWh... so pretty light. it has less capacity than an electric UP

[@laurean5998]

It doesn't have 6500hp. It has 8700nm at the wheels, which means the wheels need to turn at 5500rpm for 6500hp. 5500rpm with big tires >2m circumference is >500mph... Tldr: to make 6500hp with the max wheel torque it has, it would nedd to go over 500mph

[@Sur-Ron]

The tyres…

[@CafeElectric]

I think it all may be a type, off by a factor of 10. The 640kW rating is good for about 650HP. The 4 controllers are PM150s, so that's about 600kW. And they say the 22kWh battery can do 70C, which is 1540kW, so a bit over 1600HP after losses. Still will be impressive at speed!

[@swissmochaj]

Wish the Black Current crew all the best. Go gettum!

[@matthewjones3806]

There’s street v8s in the 5s and many in the 6s so they got a bit of work to do before you call it a v8 killer

[@philspencelayh5464]

looks impressive hope you get footage of a proper run when it's ready. F1 car with around 1000hp often gets wheelspin when its already going fast, it'll be Interesting to see how the 6500hp is handled off the line.

[@pienzenau]

Very well done! Both, the car and the video. Thank´s a lot.

[@thatdudeinorange2297]

So basically what Ollie (and Johnny) says is that Flux Capacitor will be updated and competing at Street Week 2023 in Sweden? Then obviously joined by Black Current 4 😉 Now that would be interesting! Ps. Charging stations can be found at McDonalds and Lidl, and many more places. Perhaps not at Black Current needed level..

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Don't tempt us, please. I'd love to take the Enfield for a street cruise in Sweden.

[@smurf9857]

Very impressive. Looking forward to updates

[@Cloxxki]

22 kWh @ 100C makes 2200 kW. Unless something funky going on, just over 3000 hp. Are they overclocking the cells to double, knowing a run is 7 seconds and possibly pre chilled? Do the 100C cells produce less heat (% of output power) than say "Tesla" cells used at 7-8C?

[@agt155]

I think the cells are 70c not the pack.

[@stickleback73]

Great EV, nice bug, cool guys 😎 and top notch content, love to see more of black current! Back of the net Johnny! Have a great week! 👍

[@yankidiot]

Brilliant work guys very impressed 👌

[@JohnSmith-ud9ex]

Such wonders brought to us through dedication and commitment. Such entertainment brought to us for free and graciously willing. Such cool shit with humour and passion and intellect... and yet still the fuckwits, the anally retentive, the ungrateful and the armchair specialists flock to the comments like flies to shit = ( Where are you boys ??? Where are your creations ??? Non of us saw you in the pit lane, non of us saw you talking to Jonny... Thank you Jonny and the brothers Young for your time, passion and dedication ! = )

[@buzz4633]

It would be great to see an EV or EV battery manufacturer come out with standardized battery packs and power trains for electric dragsters. It would help the sport a lot.

[@sterradovr6365]

Awesome project, great video, as always! well done chaps, keep it up!

[@carlgoldsmith6225]

Awesome video will be great to race Black current again

[@auntwicky]

Awesome build Olly!