Pollution concerns 'prompting interest in EVs'

Date: 13/7/2011

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been on the market for some time; however, it appears as though motorists are now taking a growing interest in them.

Robert Fowler, Chief Executive Officer of Alternative Vehicles Technology, says that this is likely to be a result of several factors, including worries about pollution levels and the cost of oil supplies.

He adds that typical drivers should "fare well" when it comes to purchasing an EV for personal use and that driving one just means taking a little more time to plan journeys.

And Mr Fowler claims that converting existing diesel and petrol vehicles to electric in large volumes has the potential to be a more cost-effective way to roll out the cars to a wider market.

Commenting on developments being made in the technology, he notes: "Lithium battery chemistries have increased the range capabilities of electric cars to make EVs practical for many more users."

Meanwhile, Robert Hokin, Chief Executive of ecoConnect CIC, says that other developments - such as the Better Place initiative, which sees drivers removing a spent battery and replacing it with a fresh one when they need to refuel - are seeing significant investment.

Posted by Nick Anderson