Electric cars given the thumbs up

A WELLINGTON trial of eight electric cars has been given the thumbs up by those who have driven the vehicles.

About 100 people have been trialling the Mitsubishi I-MIEV allelectric vehicles since September 2010, finding the cars more powerful and capable of a greater range than they had previously thought, according to a survey. More than 50 per cent said their opinion of electric cars had improved and more than 60 per cent would drive one again. The average driving experience score was 8.5 out of 10.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority chief executive Mike Underhill says the survey will help companies considering investing in electric vehicle fleets to assess the pros and cons.

‘‘This trial is helping bust some myths still out there about electric vehicles – that they’re slow, gutless and will barely get you to the shops without going flat.’’

Courier drivers, for instance, would save considerably.

‘‘Fully charging the car costs around $2.50 for 150 kilometres of travel, compared with around $25 at the pump.’’

Trial participants have included Wellington City Council, New Zealand Post, The Wellington Company and Meridian Energy.

WCC climate change adviser Chris Cameron says the trial will finish in September, but the council is looking to keep its electric vehicle.