The key facts:
-It costs as little as 1p per mile to run a car on electricity compared with around 10p on petrol.
-Electric cars are EXTREMELY QUIET with ZERO tailpipe emissions.
-Electricity is most suited for use in city-based cars and vans with set journey patterns requiring limited range (up to 50 miles), though it has also been trialled in some urban buses.
-Electric vehicles can be fully recharged from any 13 amp socket in up to seven hours. Vehicles can be effectively part-charged when they are stopped for shorter breaks which can significantly increase range. Fast charge facilities are technically feasible but expensive.
-New generation electric-petrol hybrid vehicles offer significant emissions benefits without the range disadvantage traditionally associated with electric vehicles. The latest hybrid vehicles do not require external recharging and are capable of running up to 60 miles, or more, on a gallon of petrol.
-The extra cost of buying an electric car varies from zero to £5,000 (before any grant). In many cases, batteries are leased rather than purchased outright at a cost of £60 to £100 a month.
The Electric or Hybrid Option
-Electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions. Most life-cycle analyses (including electricity generation and transmission) also suggest they contribute less in terms of carbon dioxide; the main global warming gas.
