Government shows support of electric vehicles to boost air quality

The government has shown its support of the electric car industry in a bid to boost air quality.

According to the director of WhatGreenCar.com Dr Ben Lane, the coalition is "making some very good progress" on promoting low-carbon vehicles.

He said: "The government is seriously tackling the purchase barriers."

Dr Lane was referring to transport secretary Philip Hammond's announcement last week that £24 million had been awarded to the development of the UK's low-carbon vehicle capability.

The government also released details about its Plug-in Car Grant, which will give motorists up to £5,000 if they buy electric, hybrid or hydrogen fuelled cars.

These would help reduce the amount of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere and improve air quality in Britain.

Dr Lane said that there has been a "significant uptake of electric vehicles" over the last 30 years, adding that there is anticipation to see whether the latest models encourage people to switch from their usual petrol or diesel fuelled machines.

Posted by Claire Manning