Electric car drive yet to be turbo-charged

If the Scottish Government meets its targets, petrol and diesel cars will be phased out by 2032. It may sound like a long time, but just think how much will need to change over the next 15 years to reach the desired end point.

Doubtless there will be huge strides forward in the development of driverless technology during that period, with cars sure to evolve considerably.

However, the real sea change will involve the creation of far more efficient and attractive electric vehicles.

Despite government grants, electric cars remain a huge expense and well outwith the reach of many ordinary motorists. There also remain significant question marks over the range of such vehicles and the availability of charging points.

Scotland fares relatively well in a new survey of charging facilities – but all things are relative. There are 743 points across the country, one for every 7,127 people. However, the bald statistics do not tell the whole story. While places like Dundee are well served, some rural areas have little or no provision.

Sales of electric cars are growing but not at the kind of pace that would suggest there is a realistic chance of the Government’s aims being met.

It will be interesting to see what initiatives are introduced to encourage us to relinquish our much-loved diesel and petrol engines.