Why Dyson Built a Car, and Never Sold It

Dyson built an electric car. The company says it invested more than £500 million in the project—then cancelled it before selling a single one. Why did James Dyson walk away? This Built on Money documentary follows the Dyson N526 from an ambitious engineering project to a difficult commercial decision. We explore the reported £150,000 break-even estimate, the cost of starting a car company, competition from established manufacturers, and what Dyson later said about the project. Featuring original James Dyson interview excerpts, development imagery and contemporary reporting, this is the story of what it takes to turn a prototype into a business. Subscribe to Built on Money for documentaries exploring business, economics, industries and power. What should we investigate next? Let us know in the comments. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Dyson you could never buy 00:22 Why Dyson wanted to build a car 01:02 From secret project to major commitment 01:37 Meet the Dyson N526 02:19 The £150,000 price problem 03:06 Why starting small was expensive 04:01 Competition and rising costs 04:46 The decision to walk away 05:25 What remained after cancellation 06:04 What James Dyson later admitted 06:51 What should we investigate next? RESEARCH AND INTERVIEW CREDITS Research draws on Dyson’s published statements and accounts, Autocar, WIRED, Motor1, Fast Company and other reporting credited on screen. James Dyson interview excerpts: CBS This Morning (2017) and David Senra (2025). #Dyson #JamesDyson #BusinessDocumentary