The Murray T27 is the more recently produced battery-electric version of the T25 built in concert with electric hardware maker Zytek.
Like its fossil-fuel twin, the tiny T27 electric city vehicle is designed to demonstrate Murray’s ingenuity in packaging and to lead the way in a new and extremely efficient method of car manufacture, called iStream.
The T27 is more simple still than the uncomplicated T25; switch it on with the key, twist a round dashboard knob to get either forward or backward motion (with neutral in the middle) and release the parking brake with a ‘touch’ button on the dash. Then simply press the accelerator, gingerly at first because initial acceleration is brisk.
Eventually, you’ll discover a detent roughly halfway through its travel to show when you’re being wasteful with battery energy.
The T27 is a shade faster off the mark than the petrol-powered T25 thanks to the ‘max torque from zero’ characteristic of its 34bhp electric motor, but top speed is governed at 65mph. Be sensible and its surprisingly compact lithium ion battery will take you 100 miles before it demands a four-hour ‘fill’ through a domestic power socket.
Like the T25, the Murray T27 seems ideal for low-speed city running. Where I thought the pair might be fallible was in ride and handling at higher speeds, mainly because of their short wheelbase and narrow track. Fact is, the T-cars simply feel ‘planted’ at all times, the T27 slightly more so because its centre of gravity is a little lower, courtesy of the low-mounted battery’s mass.
In ride quality terms, the suspension isn’t exactly soft, but it’s on the supple side of sporty, the obvious rigidity of the chassis providing a superb platform for the all-independent suspension.
Given the short wheelbase and short overhangs (zero rear, a hand span in front), I expected lots of pitch, and over short suburban bumps there is indeed some of it. But the car’s pitch damping is truly brilliant. So is its general resistance to body roll, given the bump absorption capabilities. I might have wanted slightly more direct steering had I not preferred (as Murray obviously does) to reduce overall efficiency with power assistance. As it is, the system connects directly to the road.
Driving both the T25 and T27 is seductive. One thing I know: even if someone embraces Murray’s designs and processes tomorrow, it will be a long time before cars like these become ordinary.
When the new age begins, I do hope a manufacturer embraces their delightful simplicity while preserving their purity and avoiding cheap adornments. The T25 and T27 undoubtedly have the capability to usher in a new age of automotive realism. They must be allowed to do it.
Murray T27
Price: £7000 (est); 0-62mph: 14.9sec; Top speed: 65mph; Economy: 100 miles (NEDC cycle), 130 miles (ECE15 cycle); CO2: 0g/km (tailpipe); Kerb weight: 680kg; Engine: Zytek electric motor; Installation: Rear, transverse, RWD; Power: 34bhp; Torque: na; Gearbox: single speed
What is it with micro EV manufacturers and doors? Twizy - no doors, which means it is a non-starter in the UK where it rains 200 days of the year. T27 - daft clamshell door that means if it is raining, the entire inside of the car gets wet hence also a non-starter.
I'm reasonably convinced by the EV argument for the Twizy and T27 - smart, zero emissions, personal urban transport. I might even reach for my Visa card. Just meet me halfway by giving me proper doors.
Come to think of it, I've never seen any electric vehicle tested in the rain, maybe it's because of that! 
This car makes more sence than any outher EV on the market its a BARGIN and no fidji it wouldent have £5k off because the grant is free VAT up to £5k so it would be elegable for £1400 off
Founder and owner of driverscar.co.uk
Why do all EVs have to look like something out of an 80s sci-fi movie? Why can an electric car look like a car and have all the characteristics of a car, such as doors and a boot, just without an IC engine. That way, people wouldn't look like fools driving the wretched things...
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and now I'm 17, my argument is valid.
Why do all EVs have to look like something out of an 80s sci-fi movie? Why can an electric car look like a car and have all the characteristics of a car, such as doors and a boot, just without an IC engine. That way, people wouldn't look like fools driving the wretched things...
You may not be 17 yet, but your argument is quite valid. Why put in all that engineering effort and dress it in ridiculous clothes.
Mr Cropley seems to have an almost religious vervour when it comes to the T family and the iStream process, which may yet prove to be the most efficient way in the world to produce an automotive munter. Is he perhaps distantly related to Gordon Murray?
Is it just me, or does everyone think the drivers look like they're riding mobility scooters?
Let's be honest, this is not a pretty car. But that's acceptable if the design merits the ugliness, but the clamshell door will (as someone else said) lets rain onto the seat as you get in. And are there any multi-storeys with low ceilings that will trap the driver inside?
Murrays car is may be good to drive, but it's hardly the revolution over the golf cart I'd been given to expect. Did they spend all their time thinking about the drive and no time at all thinking about living with the car (and the styling)?
Defo getting the wife an ice blue one.....a la Invacar.
The door is likely to be less of an issue with the weather than made out. I would have thought these will mainly be bought by modern city dwellers, living in modern appartments with underground parking. Also, whenever it rains by me, it seems to be blowing a howling gale so the rain all comes in sideways through the door anyway. The problem I see with a clamshell door is the car is limited to 65mph which is more than fast enough to topple the car if its being driven by a spanner. If the car then ends up on its roof, how does aforementioned spanner escape? Scissor/Gullwing/Clamshell doors don't work... end of.
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and now I'm 17, my argument is valid.
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