BMA (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

The Battery Manufacturing Association (B.M.A.) was established in 1952 in Hove, Sussex, United Kingdom. The company initially operated under the name B.M.A. & Electrical Equipment Co. and later as Gates & Pearson Ltd. before finally becoming Electric Motors (Hove) Ltd. in 1954. The B.M.A. focused on electric vehicle production during a time when electric cars had not gained significant traction in Britain, unlike in France and Germany, where the concept was more widely accepted, particularly during the petrol shortages of the war era.

One of the notable products from B.M.A. was the Hazelcar, named after R.E. Hazeldine of Hazeldine Motors. This vehicle featured a compact two-seater open aluminum body and was powered by a specially designed electric motor with a capacity of either 1.7 or 2 horsepower. The Hazelcar utilized nine 6-volt batteries and employed a double reduction duplex chain drive, coupled with a four-speed gearbox and a switch-operated reverse. It was capable of reaching speeds up to 20 mph (32 km/h) and had a range of approximately 60 miles (96 km). However, at a price of £535, the Hazelcar was considered too expensive to make a significant impact in the market. In total, only six electric Hazelcars were produced, along with one additional unit that was fitted with a Ford Eight engine.