Sinclair C5, 1985. The death has been announced of British inventor and computing pioneer Sir Clive Sinclair. The Sinclair C5 was a battery electric vehicle invented by Sir Clive and launched in the UK on January 10 1985 priced at £399 plus £29 for delivery. A battery-powered trike controlled by handles on each side of the driver’s seat, its top speed of 15 mph was the fastest allowed in the UK without a driving licence. Intended for inner city commuting, it quickly became the object of media ridicule and was a commercial disaster. Production ended in August 1985 with total sales of around 14,000 units.