Electric vehicle project launched in north-east

Date: 18/11/2010

A new project aimed at promoting electric cars has been launched today (November 18th) in the north-east.

The Sunderland Echo reports the Switch EV project will see 35 new vehicles made available to organisations, individuals and car clubs across the region for the first time.

It will also collect data from the cars and their drivers on topics such as battery range, which will aid the development of new cars and be incorporated into national statistics on sustainable travel.

Dr Colin Herron, Manufacturing and Productivity Manager at regional development agency One North East, said: "Today marks the beginning of a new era of low-carbon transport in the UK."

He added electric vehicles (EVs) will become increasingly common on British roads and he is proud to see north-east firms "flying the flag for this dynamic new industry".

Earlier this week, the publication stated a survey conducted for Lex Autoleases revealed eight-out-of-ten business drivers and two-thirds of financial bosses believe EVs are set to be the most popular choice of company car in a decade's time.

Posted by Nick Anderson