While dozens of supercars will be revving up their engines ready for the start of Ireland's upcoming Cannonball Run, the ESB ecars team will be off to a much quieter start.

The ESB team's 2011 Nissan Leaf is the first electric car to participate in the Cannonball Run which starts this Friday, September 9, from Dublin.

The 600-plus mile route is more than the Leaf can manage on a single charge, so several charging points have been carefully picked along the way that should allow the team to match the other cars all the way to the finish, two days later in Kilkenny.

Each overnight halt will allow the team to charge the Leaf, and fast charging points have been selected each day to save time. ESB aims to demonstrate that electric car buyers in Ireland aren't restricted to city driving and that longer tours are possible. One charging point at Athlone has been described as pivotal for longer journeys as it sits right in the middle of the country both east-west and north-south.

The Cannonball Rally Ireland will be raising money in aid of Barretstown Camp in County Kildare. Barretstown helps rebuild the lives of children affected by childhood cancer. Last year, the rally raised over $330,000 for the charity. The event is set to attract over 100,000 spectators.

We wish the ESB ecars team in their Nissan Leaf the best of luck on the trip!

[Silicon Republic]

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