The DeLorean was famously modified as a time machine in the Back to the Future movies, the second of which saw Marty McFly travel to 21 October 2015 to prevent his future son being sent to prison.
Queen’s and NIE Networks have unveiled their version of the famous car, which students and staff have modified as a hi-tech electrical vehicle – the first of its kind in the UK or Ireland. It is thought to be the first DeLorean to be built in Northern Ireland since production came to a halt at DeLorean’s Belfast factory in 1983.
Dr David Laverty, who led the project said: “The electrification of transport is a major global challenge, so projects like the Queen’s Electric DeLorean are crucial in equipping young engineers with the knowledge and expertise to build the electric vehicles of the future.
“This project was about modifying a car into an electric vehicle, but we wanted to do it in style. The DeLorean was the obvious choice because of its strong connection to Belfast and its starring role in the Back to The Future movies.”
Gordon Parkes, HR Director at NIE Networks, said: “We’ve supported this project because it’s an original and innovative way of engaging and promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects to school children and students.”
Local school children will get a preview of the car on Wednesday morning, with the opportunity to find out more about the Electrical Engineering courses on offer at Queen’s, while members of the public can find out more about the Queen’s Electric DeLorean project at a free public lecture at the Ulster Museum at 6pm.
