Electric cars 'could lead to more emissions'

Date: 12/11/2009

The government's investment in electric cars as a method to reduce emissions has been criticised by a green lobby.

A Transport & Environment report claims that if demand increases for electric cars, demand for electricity would also increase, which is currently still powered by coal stations in some areas.
The report explained that only truly fuel efficient electric cars should be eligible for government rebate.

"Electric cars shold be rewarded for their energy efficiency, not for moving emissions from exhaust pipes to power station chimneys," it said.

The UK government programme investment currently funnels the funding into reducing the cost for the fuel-saving vehicles to the consumer at about £5,000 a vehichle.

A Department for Transport spokesman defended the government's electric car policy to the Telegraph, stating that the programme was for the longer term and the emissions reductions moved to the grid would allow significant investment into that arena for more low-carbon energy sources.