Busting the electric car myth

Recent research commissioned by the Energy Saving Trust shows that almost 1 in 3 people* in the UK would consider buying an electric car as an alternative to the conventional petrol and diesel car in the next two years and, with current developments in the car market, it is fast becoming possible for people to drive one.

With rising fuel costs, we now have to think much harder about how we can travel around more cost efficiently in our everyday lives. This may mean making fewer trips or changing our driving habits to get more mileage from our cars. The good news is, we now have more options than ever before when it comes to buying a car that is more cost efficient to run.

Many major car manufacturers are currently unveiling their electric car models and more will follow in the next year or two. Plus, the Government’s Plug-In car grant of up to £5000 is currently available to help towards the purchase of nine approved electric vehicles.

Thanks to developments in technology, electric vehicles now boast performances comparable to the average petrol or diesel car. And with a typical range of around 100 miles from a fully charged car, the electric vehicle is now a viable option for the daily commute.

Gordon Pattie, Centre Manager, Operations at the Energy Saving Trust advice centre, said: “Working on the basis that most drivers travel a total daily distance of 25 miles, the driver will only need to charge a battery from flat once every four days.

Add that to the fact that car parking and the electricity at many public charging points in the region are currently free, people can also charge their cars while out shopping or at work to top up the battery charge.”

It can cost from as little as £1.80 to £3, depending on your electricity tariff, to fully charge an electric car. And there is more good news, as an owner of an electric vehicle there will be no road tax to pay, and there is free or subsidised parking and electricity in many public areas. Owners will also save on annual service maintenance as this is not required for electric cars.

The Government’s Plugged-In Places scheme in the North East is aiming to install over 1000 charging points by 2013, and already over 100 charging points are in place across the region. This makes it more convenient for people to charge their cars when they need to do so.

You can receive a free independent information guide and regular e-newsletter on electric vehicles by contacting the Energy Saving Trust advice centre in the North East free on 0800 512 012. The team at the advice centre can also offer hints and tips on how you can get more miles from your petrol or diesel car.