Since its inception in 1973, the Battery Vehicle Society has brought together a passionate and diverse community of individuals united by a shared vision: the advancement and adoption of electric vehicles in the United Kingdom. “Voices of the BVS” is a tribute to the many enthusiasts, engineers, tinkerers, academics and everyday motorists who have helped shape the Society over the decades. Their stories, drawn from personal experience and professional insight, illuminate the journey of electric vehicles from fringe curiosity to mainstream necessity.
Alec Thomson – Founding Member
“I remember the first meeting in a draughty community hall in Oxfordshire,” recalls Alec Thomson, one of the Society’s founding members. “There were six of us, two with electric motorbikes, one with a Sinclair C5, and a chap who’d just converted a Morris Minor. We weren’t seen as revolutionaries—more eccentrics with soldering irons.”
Alec, a retired electronics teacher, still attends local BVS events. His early experiments with battery systems were rudimentary but foundational. “We used what we had—lead-acid batteries from scrapped forklifts, hand-wound motors, garden shed ingenuity. It was all very much trial and error. But the camaraderie was second to none.”
Priya Desai – New Generation Engineer
Priya joined the BVS in 2019 while studying sustainable engineering in Bristol. “I’d always been interested in clean transport, but it wasn’t until I went to a BVS conference that I realised how hands-on it all was. These weren’t just enthusiasts—they were problem-solvers, innovators, historians.”
Now working in EV powertrain development, Priya credits the Society for connecting her with mentors and sparking ideas that led to her Master’s dissertation. “There’s such a rich knowledge base in the BVS. One conversation with someone who’s been hacking electric cars since the ’90s can save you weeks in the lab.”
Dave and Linda Morgan – EV Pioneers
For Dave and Linda Morgan, the BVS is a family affair. “We bought our first electric car in 2005—a converted Peugeot 106,” Linda explains. “It had a range of about 40 miles on a good day, and charging it was an overnight affair. But we loved it.”
The couple began attending BVS meetings in the Midlands and quickly became active contributors. Dave even built a small electric utility vehicle for their allotment. “It’s a little three-wheeler made from bicycle parts and a wheelchair motor. Works a treat and never scares the birds,” he chuckles.
They say the Society gave them a sense of belonging during a time when EV ownership was rare and sometimes mocked. “It was nice to meet others who got it—who weren’t just in it to save money or be trendy, but who genuinely believed in doing transport differently.”
Dr Marcus Ellwood – Historian of Electric Motoring
Dr Ellwood, an automotive historian, joined the BVS to deepen his research into early electric vehicles in Britain. “Many people assume EVs are a new invention, but they were a viable alternative to petrol cars in the early 20th century. What’s fascinating is how many early ideas are being revisited today, from battery swapping to regenerative braking.”
Through the BVS, Dr Ellwood gained access to archives, personal collections, and oral histories that were not available elsewhere. “The members are walking encyclopaedias. Some of them remember when the milk float was the cutting edge of EV design.”
Clara Hughes – The Urban Converter
A graphic designer by day, Clara spends her weekends converting old mopeds into electric runabouts. “It started as a lockdown project—I wanted something light, quiet and eco-friendly to nip around London. Once I got the hang of lithium cells and controllers, I was hooked.”
Clara turned to the BVS forums and local meet-ups for advice. “They’re incredibly supportive. There’s no ego. Whether you’re rebuilding a Tesla battery pack or fixing a knackered throttle on an e-scooter, someone’s got the answer.”
She recently gave a talk at a BVS regional event about small-scale conversions. “People were surprised you don’t need a full workshop or a PhD—just curiosity and patience.”
A Shared Mission, A Changing Landscape
What binds all these voices together is not just a love for electric vehicles, but a sense of purpose. Over the past fifty years, the Battery Vehicle Society has grown from a niche community into a respected national organisation. Its members have witnessed—and contributed to—the shifting perception of EVs from novelties to necessities.
In an age of climate urgency and rapid technological change, the BVS remains grounded in its roots: sharing knowledge, celebrating ingenuity, and supporting anyone—regardless of background—who wants to be part of the electric transport revolution.
Whether you’re a professional engineer, a classic car enthusiast looking to convert your pride and joy, or simply curious about what’s under the bonnet of your new EV, the Society welcomes your voice. After all, it’s the people who make the journey worth telling.