Anyone who thought that electric cars were ready to take over on the UK’s roads needs to think again, with new sales figures revealing that their popularity has slumped.
According to The Guardian, sales of new electric cars in the UK dropped by 90 per cent from their peak of 397 units in 2007, to a mere 55 units in 2009.
The newspaper describes the report as a significant blow to the UK’s efforts to meet tough carbon emission targets. Although sales of new cars fell sharply in 2009 due to the recession, the drop in new registrations of electric cars was around eight times higher. Overall, two million new cars were registered in 2009 – that was the lowest level since 1995.
Nearly half of the electric vehicles sold last year were the G-Wiz Car, which has a top speed of 50mph and a range of 48miles between charges.
However, it is hoped that things may turn around in the New Year with the coalition to offer up to £5,000 towards the price of a series of newly launched electric cars as part of a subsidy announced by the former Labour government. The Department of Transport is predicting that around 8,600 cars will be sold in the first year of the scheme which will run until March 2012 with a review taking place in January 2012.
