Electricity 'big part of motoring future'

Date: 2/12/2011

Electricity is set to play "a big part in our motoring future," an expert believes.

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express and CarBuyer, predicted electricity will be used in conjunction with other forms of power such as on-board hydrogen systems.

There will also be an increase in the use of hybrid solutions that combine engines with plug-in technology.

However, Mr Fowler said it will take some time for electric vehicles to become commonplace in the UK as they are currently too expensive.

Although "there will be a market for them and we'll see more and more from mainstream car makers," the expert predicted such motors will be a niche option for the next five to ten years.

Fully electric cars will be possible when battery technology improves, he concluded.

These comments echo those recently made by Sustainable Development Manager at Legrand Alastair Ramsay, who suggested 20 per cent of new vehicles will be electric or plug-in hybrids by 2020.

Posted by Nick Anderson