Electric Car Guide 2010

Over the past decade the pace of technological developments in the automotive industry has picked up considerably as vehicle manufacturers focus on increasing the fuel efficiency of their vehicles and cutting CO2 emissions. The refinement of existing technologies, the development of next generation petrol and diesel engines alongside electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles has never been higher, with manufacturers striving to deliver ultra-low carbon solutions.

The work of the Automotive Council aims to ensure the UK motor industry plays a significant role in the development of exciting, low carbon transport solutions. Working to achieve this, the Automotive Council will promote collaboration between industry, research communities and government to make the UK the location of choice for the development, demonstration and marketing of low carbon vehicles and fuels.

The industry consensus technology roadmap charts the sector‘s expected progression through micro hybrids to mass market electric and fuel cell vehicles, all designed to radically reduce transport CO2 emissions. Equally important is our responsibility to guide motorists through the increasing range of choices they now face. It is important they understand the benefits they can experience, equipping them with the best information to make the right purchasing decision for their driving needs.

The purpose of this document is specifically to clarify a number of issues relating to the emerging electric car industry, ahead of the government‘s Plug-In Car Grant due to start in January 2011.