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Motoring news

Electric car future - in 2011

16/04/2009

Electric cars are set to become more common on UK roads, after the Government revealed subsidies of up to £5,000 for buyers.

But the scheme, designed to offset the higher manufacturing cost - and hence sale price - of electric cars, will not be ready until 2011.

Current hybrids such as the Toyota Prius will not be eligible for the subsidy, which will only apply to fully-electric cars and plug-in hybrids; a type that use larger batteries to provide a longer electric-only range.

The plans are part of a £250 million package of measures intended to make the UK a low-carbon economy and to boost 'green' jobs. Figures for last year show that electric car sales were poor, with only 168 having been sold by the start of December.

But the Environmental Transport Association told Admiral Insurance News that it would take more than a simple subsidy to create a sea-change in the way people think of electric cars.

"There will have to be a significant increase in the cost of petrol and diesel through tax, and through road usage charging," said spokesman Yannick Read.

And the group says there will also need to be a change in the way that electricity is delivered - moving from a 'hub and spokes' system to a peer-to-peer network - if the network is to cope with increased take-up of electric cars.

"There's a feeling that there's a dawn of electric cars waiting to happen," Mr Read added.

"But diesel cars have become more efficient - it's not like they have been standing still while we ready ourselves for electric cars, and they will continue to compete."