Electric vehicle pioneer Sir Clive Sinclair dies aged 81

Sir Clive Sinclair, the man behind the C5 electric vehicle, has passed away at his London home aged 81.

Labelled as one of Britain’s most prolific innovators, Sinclair’s daughter Belinda confirmed on Thursday morning that her father had passed away after battling cancer for more than a decade.

The Surrey-born inventor was well-known for his pioneering products such as the ZX Spectrum computers, an affordable pocket calculator and a portable mini television.

However, Sinclair was also responsible for the creation of the C5 electric vehicle, which launched in 1985 and was developed by Hoover in Merthyr.

The single-seater, three-wheeled vehicle drew criticism from the press for its limited range, limited speed and its inability to drive up hills.

Whilst the unsuccessful launch of the C5 left Sinclair with hefty financial losses, his daughter confirmed that he continued to invent and create, even as recently as last week.

“He was inventive and imaginative and for him it was exciting and an adventure, it was his passion,” she told the BBC.

She added: “I think sometimes he was a bit too early [with his inventions].

“He was very good at imagining things that people might like or might need, even though they didn’t know they wanted them.”

Sir Clive Sinclair leaves behind three children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.