A custom-made electric motorcycle powered entirely by sunshine will go up against its gas counterparts in the Current Vehicles Power Challenge Race at the Rubis Southside Raceway on Sunday.

The bike has been built on the island by Team Oni Racing Club and will be raced by top local rider Jevaughn “Squirrel” Simons, who will compete for $1,000 in prize money, put up by Current Vehicles — a Bermuda-based electric car rental company. Reaching speeds of up to 115 kilometres per hour, the electric bike will be powered by an off-grid solar panel installation on the roof of a BeSolar van and race in the Formula Open class. The ten-lap race is scheduled for 4.35pm.

David Cahill, the Bermuda Charge director, said the event, which forms part of the Bluewave Bermuda Charge Charity Ride-Out and Automotive Energy Expo, will be a demonstration of truly clean racing.

Piers Carr, the chief executive of Current Vehicles, added: “We are happy to support and be part of such an exciting initiative that will expose Bermuda to a whole new market.”

The Charity Ride-Out & Automotive Energy Expo will be a celebration of the island’s motoring culture. From classic combustion to emerging electric, all motorised cars and bikes are welcome.

It starts at noon from Dockyard Vintage Transport Museum and will head to Clearwater Beach, where a Trophy Race Day and Automotive Energy Expo will be staged. Participants can enjoy live reggae and Jamaican food while they view the latest automotive technology on display, side by side with timeless models from years gone by.

The event is a warm-up for the proposed Bermuda Charge international superbike road race on the same weekend next year.

For tickets or more details visit www.bermudacharge.com.