Are electric models sustainable for car buyers?

With an impending flood of electric and hybrid vehicles entering the market, many motoring commentators are weighing up the benefits of spending extra cash on a greener vehicle.

With costs of electric motors higher than their standard counterparts, motoring journalist Mike Rutherford questions whether such cars are financially sustainable in the long-term.

In his Telegraph column, Rutherford looks into the range, lifespan and renewal costs of electric vehicles, commenting that ''there is no way of knowing precisely how many miles vehicles will travel in unpredictable, real world conditions.''

Whilst car manufacturers such as Nissan and Citroen are dedicated to testing their cars in all situations, giving a well-examined view on battery lifespan and range, Rutherford believes that the exact life-cycle of such vehicles is unknown. With replacement batteries reportedly costing in excess of £8,000, updating an older EV car could prove expensive.

Meanwhile Glass's Guide warned electric car buyers that their models could lose value quickly, saying ''There's an urgent need to tackle electric vehicle (EV) battery ownership issues... The new breed of EV's soon to be launched in the UK will have residual values well below those of rival petrol and diesel models unless manufacturers properly address customer concerns regarding battery life and performance.''

Nevertheless, with fuel prices exceeding 120 pence per litre in some areas and average transport costs for a family rising to £65 per week according to the Office for National Statistics, now surely is the time to embrace more fuel efficient technology.

What Green Car? reports that drivers could save up to £800 per year in fuel costs by switching to an EV, with drivers in London benefiting the most cost-wise, as they will be exempt from the congestion charge - providing a saving of up to £2000 per year and balancing out any costs of battery replacement.

Perhaps though, the biggest draw of EV's is not their running costs - although this is an important benefit - but the ability to transport oneself in a green manner. Rutherford remains to be convinced, but the real test will be the sales of EV's over the next few years.

 

 

 

Shaun Eagelton, Surrey, Ford Mondeo

Maureen Minihane, Shrewsbury, Renault Clio 172