By 2011, Britain is poised to make sure that the shift towards electric vehicles is done to fall in line with its “electric car cities” plan. Motorists in Britain are to be offered up to $9,000 Cdn to encourage them to buy electric or hybrid cars under a new government plan. The incentives will be offered from 2011 when a new generation of electric cars is expected to become available
Environmental groups said it was a step in the right direction but fell short of initiatives in other European countries, such as Denmark, which are far ahead in the race to go green. Business Secretary Peter Mandelson and Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon announced the plan in Scotland as part of a $500-million scheme to cut emissions and at the same time help the struggling motor industry.
Electric cars cost an average of $24,000, but go up to more than $80,000 for high-performance models. A national demonstration project will give a small sample of around 200 motorists the opportunity to drive a cutting-edge car and give feedback to the industry. Green groups said the plans would make little difference if the electricity used to power them came from dirty coal-fired power stations.
(Source) Times Colonist
Tags: car buyers, coal fired power, coal fired power stations, dirty coal, electric car, electric cars, electric vehicles, european countries, government plan, hybrid cars, motorists, national demonstration project, new generation, peter mandelson