| Posted on October 27, 2011 at 4:05 PM | 
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It can hardly be a surprise that a recent assessment of the level of sales of electric cars has shown disappointing results. Only 106 electric cars were sold in the second quarter of 2011 and the total number of electric vehicles in the UK is now just 1107, an insignificant percentage of the 28.5 million cars on our roads.
Despite the £5,000 Government subsidy towards the cost, the high price tag for what often are very boring vehicles to look at is hardly going to inspire a buyer, especially in these times of high unemployment, few job prospects, diminishing income levels and higher costs in other areas such as utility bills, food etc...
The Government had hoped that 2011 would be the year that EVs took off but this hardly looks likely with a gloomy economic forecast. I also think the design of the few models available in the UK leave a lot to be desired. Whilst the Nissan Leaf is a technical marvel, it looks remarkably like a Nissan Micra and few people would be willing to pay £28,990 for a Micra no matter how awesome the technology beneath the bonnet is. I will quickly add that I am huge fan of Nissan’s cars, especially the less-than-green GTR but can’t bring myself to love the Leaf.
Surely there is a gap in the market for an electric vehicle that is practical, good looking and affordable? An electric Mini or Fiat 500 might fit the bill. Indeed, the Mini E - an electric variant - has been showcased but is yet to come to market whilst the e500 requires a custom conversion and is made to order.
It is curious that the hybrid fuel/electric cars like the Prius and CR-Z continue to sell better than pure electric vehicles. Hopefully when cars like the Vauxhall Ampera (the UK edition of the Chevrolet Volt) and even the top-end Fisker Karma and Tesla vehicles are available they will help spark some interest...pun intended...
Despite the £5,000 Government subsidy towards the cost, the high price tag for what often are very boring vehicles to look at is hardly going to inspire a buyer, especially in these times of high unemployment, few job prospects, diminishing income levels and higher costs in other areas such as utility bills, food etc...
The Government had hoped that 2011 would be the year that EVs took off but this hardly looks likely with a gloomy economic forecast. I also think the design of the few models available in the UK leave a lot to be desired. Whilst the Nissan Leaf is a technical marvel, it looks remarkably like a Nissan Micra and few people would be willing to pay £28,990 for a Micra no matter how awesome the technology beneath the bonnet is. I will quickly add that I am huge fan of Nissan’s cars, especially the less-than-green GTR but can’t bring myself to love the Leaf.
Surely there is a gap in the market for an electric vehicle that is practical, good looking and affordable? An electric Mini or Fiat 500 might fit the bill. Indeed, the Mini E - an electric variant - has been showcased but is yet to come to market whilst the e500 requires a custom conversion and is made to order.
It is curious that the hybrid fuel/electric cars like the Prius and CR-Z continue to sell better than pure electric vehicles. Hopefully when cars like the Vauxhall Ampera (the UK edition of the Chevrolet Volt) and even the top-end Fisker Karma and Tesla vehicles are available they will help spark some interest...pun intended...
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