MORE evidence that Oxford is fast becoming the centre of electric vehicle technology was on view at an exhibition for high flying investors and entrepreneurs.

Before delegates could even get through the door of Venturefest at the Said Business School in Oxford, they were confronted by a prototype sports car from Delta Motorsport, which is looking to prove that green power and driving pleasure can go hand in hand.

The Silverstone company is working with both Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University to increase the range of plug-in sports cars.

Technical director Nick Carpenter said: “We have worked with Abingdon firm Yasa Motors on the engine. But we have now produced this ultra-light body made of carbon fibre.

“We reckon that, driven moderately, the car has a range of about 140 miles.”

He added: “The UK is definitely leading the field in electric car technology and Oxford is at the hub of that UK industry.”

Inside the venue on Tuesday, visitors were also given another bright glimpse of the future in the shape of a bicycle with electronic wizardry in its spokes.

When the video-bike is ridden, moving images appear illuminated within the wheels. The idea is to use the technology for advertising in the dark.

Kiryl Chykeyuk, executive director of Old Bond Bikes and an engineering post-graduate student at Wolfson College, Oxford, said: “We have been going for about six months.

“Advertising agencies are really interested in the idea.”

Venturefest chairman Dave Waller said: “This is the 14th Venturefest to be held here. It has moved on over the years to fit changing conditions.

“Now we have joined forces with the Government’s Technology Strategy Board which has provided us with £50,000.

“This works well. We provide the insight into what our local innovators are doing and they tell us where such innovations might fit into the bigger, national, picture.”