Sustainable vehicle report published

Date: 17/6/2010

Drivers of low-carbon electric vehicles tend to use their cars in the same way as they would a motor with a traditional engine - and they stand up well to such use, new research suggests.

The first results from the Technology Strategy Board's research project found that the majority of drivers used their cars in an urban setting, travelling an average daily distance of 23 miles.

Cars were used in all temperatures and for all types of journey, the research found, and they remain parked for most of the day, giving plenty of opportunity for charging.

The research studied the use of 25 Mitsubishi i-MiEV autos in the Birmingham area.

Further tests are being carried out in other parts of the country and all the results will be collated and made openly available, as part of a drive to promote innovation in the sector.

Last month, Mitsubishi confirmed it is to loan two i-MiEVs to the state of California for evaluation as part of the state's support vehicle fleet.

Posted by Nick Anderson