£25m boost for electric cars

A future in which cars are powered by electricity may have come a step closer today as eight new low-carbon vehicle projects received a share of £25 million of Government funding.

According to the Environmental Transport Association (ETA), an organisation that provides breakdown cover to most of the electric cars in Britain, the scheme “paves the way for an electric equivalent to the Ford Model T; a green and affordable car that will revolutionise the way we travel.”

The funding will pay for 340 cars to begin trials on British roads within the next six to eighteen months. The majority of the vehicles are electric, with a small number being plug-in petrol/electric hybrids.

Lord Drayson, Science Minister in the newly formed Department for Business Innovation & Skills, said: “Today’s announcement signals our intent to reduce our dependence on petrol- and diesel-based engines, and determine the best practical alternatives.”

Will I be able to driver the cars?

Yes. The projects will bring together car manufacturers, power companies, councils, academic institutions and drivers like you and me at eight locations across Britain. Further details on the cars on offer here.

What is the ETA?

The ETA is an organisation providing motorists and cyclists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products – including a specialised service for electric vehicles.