Production of electric cars 'fell sharply last year'

Date: 22/10/2010

The number of electric cars produced in 2009 marked a significant drop on the amount made the previous year, new statistics have revealed.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the "sharp fall" in vehicle production and turnover is due to reduced demand because of the recession.

It predicted figures will improve throughout the remainder of 2010 and beyond, with output projected to return to 2008 levels by 2014.

This is partly due to government grants that will be made available in January 2011.

The report also found average new car CO2 emissions for the vehicles fell by 5.4 per cent in 2009, the biggest improvement since the SMMT's records began in 1997.

Earlier this month, Dr Ben Lane - Director of WhatGreenCar.com - stated people's expectations of the vehicles rise when they try one out and 2011 looks set to be a very promising year for low-carbon cars.

Posted by Nick Anderson