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John Ackroyd

John Ackroyd is the designer of the first modern-day city production electric car and was also involved in designing and building Thrust 2, which held the land speed record from 1983 to 1997.

He was selected as one of the headline Isle of Wight Hidden Heroes in 2017 and in 2018 Ryde Town Council agreed to award him the Freedom of Ryde.

John sadly passed away on 25th January 2021 after a long illness.

Below are some of the articles which mention John.

Moza and Matt in car and then Moza being filmed talking to Barry

31, October 2023·2 min read

From innovation to production: Isle of Wight’s electric car journey on BBC’s One Show (update 2)

Celebrating 50 years of the UK's first city electric car from the Isle of Wight that went into mass production

9, June 2022·4 min read

Ryde residents presented with Citizen Awards and Freedom of Ryde honour

There were nine Ryde Citizens Awards presented, as well the Freedom of Ryde given to seven residents

Monkton Medal winners at the Monkton Awards 2021

9, November 2021·2 min read

‘Doers’ recognised for their efforts at Monkton Arts Awards Ceremony

The awards spanned across the ages and five different award categories. Well done to all involved

1, November 2021·3 min read

‘Ordinary Islanders Who Do Extraordinary Things Award’ for Project Geranium creator (updated)

Steve Double not only spearheaded Project Geranium, but he is also was the power behind the Postcard Project, spreading love and kindness across the Island and beyond

John Ackroyd at Monkton Gallery Exhibition

16, February 2021·6 min read

John Ackroyd’s funeral today: Read people’s fond memories and future plans to commemorate him

Your memories of innovator, inventor, designer and master engineer and Isle of Wight resident, John Ackroyd, along with news of how he might be remembered in Ryde

Enfiled 8000 going tinto Quay Arts - Feb 2018

9, February 2021·3 min read

Washing-up liquid and a forklift: Squeezing the World’s first electric city car into Quay Arts (photos and video) (updated)

It took a forklift and some clever use of washing-up liquid to manage to squeeze the World’s first electric city car (designed and built on the Isle of Wight) into the top floor of Quay Arts three years ago. Here are the pics and a video of the delicate process

26, January 2021·3 min read

John Ackroyd, inspirational Isle of Wight innovator, passes away

John Ackroyd was the embodiment of the truth that anything can be achieved on the Isle of Wight – his innovations, inventions and designs will go down in history

10, September 2019·1 min read

Don’t miss exhibition (and talk) by Isle of Wight innovation hero, John Ackroyd

There's a chance to hear a talk by the man himself, as well as visit the exhibition of memorabilia, never publicly seen blueprints and more. Head to Monkton Arts in the next two weeks.

John Ackroyd with Peter Botterill (electrical engineer)

9, March 2018·1 min read

Isle of Wight Hidden Hero John Ackroyd to be granted the Freedom of Ryde

Ryde Town Councillors have agreed to award the Freedom of Ryde to John Ackroyd, an inspirational resident who has placed both the town and the Isle of Wight on the world stage through his endeavours.

8, March 2018·3 min read

Extraordinary Islanders celebrated for their achievements at Papa Owl Awards

The Papa Owl Annual Awards celebrate invention, creativity and skill development and the recognition of creative thought and fighting against the odds of life to achieve extraordinary things on the Island.

6, March 2018·4 min read

‘The Beagle has landed’ at the Wight Aviation Museum

The Scottish Aviation Beagle Bulldog 120 G-CCOA has become the first exhibit at the new Wight Aviation Museum, opening this summer at Sandown Airport. Find out how to share your aviation memorabilia.

19, February 2018·2 min read

Isle of Wight electric car (EV) sales increase one of country’s highest

Starting off at the low point of seven in 2012, Isle of Wight electric vehicle (EV) sales have increased, with the last year seeing one of the highest increases in the country. OnTheWight has the numbers and the surprisingly high number of other vehicles registered here.

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