Electric cars ‘still some years away’

Ian Simpson, lead transport partner at business advisory firm Deloitte, said the emergence of electric vehicles as a significant alternative to conventional vehicles was proving to be a slower process than many had hoped. The government first announced its commitment and funding to stimulate the adoption of electric vehicles in 2009 and the Plug-in Car Grant, launched three years ago, has led to just over 3,000 grants of up to £5,000 towards the purchase of new electric vehicles. Only 11 car models are eligible for the grant. Simpson continued: "This latest announcement is a further attempt to stimulate the adoption of vehicles by providing charging infrastructure. Although not new money, this and the continuation of the vehicle grant scheme could encourage the increasing use of electric vehicles. "We are clearly still some years away from the envisaged tipping point when electric vehicles become commonplace. This quiet revolution is one that will have to be delivered piece by piece."