UK Businesses Encouraged to go Electric

21/11/2011

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) is calling on UK businesses to lead the switch to electric vehicles as they launch a new online video guide demonstrating the benefits of using electric vehicles.

The new video looks at the realities of owning an electric vehicle covering things such as charging, cost and range anxiety.  While upfront costs may still be high, the price of petrol means that a small family hatchback sized electric vehicle could save over £3,200 over four years based on a total of 10,000 miles and the use of a low electricity tariff when compared to an efficient diesel model.

Improving Electric Vehicle Range

The EST has also conducted research that shows drivers can improve the range of their electric vehicles by changing the way they drive, such as using regenerative braking when decelerating and avoiding unnecessary braking and accelerating.

Chief Executive of the Trust, Philip Sellwood, explains: “Over the last few years there has been much debate about the viability of electric vehicles.  It is obvious that there is a huge benefit in terms of cutting emissions as well as making economic sense for some organisations and individuals.”

A recent trial ran by the Technology Strategy Board found that drivers happily made the change to electric vehicles, with concerns over range falling from 100% at the start of the trial to just 35% by the end.