Electric car sales 'to increase next year'

The sales of electric cars could increase next year, which will help improve air quality in the UK.

According to the managing editor of nextgreencar.com Dr Ben Lane, manufacturers of green vehicles are preparing for the coming 12 months to be better for electric car sales.

He stated that while 2010 "wasn't especially good from a sales point view", firms are "gearing up for 2011".

Dr Lane said that "key elements are all coming into place", suggesting that more people are becoming interested in buying the environmentally-friendly vehicles, which will reduce the amount of carbon emission released into the atmosphere and improve the air quality of Britain's cities.

This comes less than a week after transport secretary Philip Hammond joined forces with business minister Mark Prisk to announce that people buying one of nine green cars in 2011 will be eligible for a grant of up to £5,000.

The government suggested that 2011 could be the year for the electric car in the UK and plans to work with the motor industry to provide drivers with a choice of environmentally-friendly transport.

Posted by Lauren Steadman