Incentives required to encourage electric car take-up

Date: 25/11/2011

Consumers must be provided with incentives to purchase electric vehicles, it has been claimed.

Brighton-based electric vehicle charging point manufacturer Elektromotive pointed out encouraging people to invest their money in new technology can be difficult.

However, Managing Director of the company Calvery Taylor-Haw said the government's Plug-In Car Grant could be used to drive take-up.

He noted that "consumers are aware of the lower running costs and environmental benefits associated with electric vehicles."

With more information detailing how electric motors are a viable alternative to petrol and diesel-powered cars, they could be convinced to consider these next time they come to make a purchase, the firm suggested.

Earlier this month, the government launched an electric vehicle charging map called the National Chargepoint Registry, which details where individuals can plug in their motors across the UK.

It was accompanied by a scheme called the Central Whitelist, which means consumers no longer have to sign up to schemes when they charge their car in a new location.

Posted by Nick Anderson