RAC comment on limited take up of the Government’s Plug-in Vehicle Scheme

RAC technical director David Bizley said: “It’s not surprising in these hard-stretched economic times that people are not finding the money for expensively priced pure electric vehicles that are limited in both range and performance. Despite the running costs being lower than conventional vehicles, the scheme is not enough in itself to make these vehicles affordable for the average family because of the high initial outlay. However, the new generation of plug-in hybrid and extended range electric vehicles that are starting to appear on the market should have greater appeal.

“The issue of there being a lack of charging points is somewhat of a red-herring as pure electric vehicles are currently only likely to be used on shorter journeys.

“It is very important that we encourage people to take up new technology that will help the environment but some innovative thinking is clearly required in order to come up with the right incentives that will lead to greater take-up.”

As the lead sponsor in the Royal Automobile Club’s Future Car Challenge, which takes place on 3 November 2012 between Brighton and London, RAC is a strong supporter of green vehicle technology.