Sir Richard Branson – showman, self-publicist and master of the media – could hardly have come up with a more symbolic setting if he tried. Last weekend, his electric car racing team sped through New York City, clocking speeds of 150mph (240kmph) in cars built with technology he believes will make petrol-run cars obsolete. “Being in Trump’s backyard, and with influential people around, does provide more context to the conversation,” admitted Alex Tai, Sir Richard’s team manager.