China launches electric car with £5,000 discount
The Chery Automobile Company has launched an electric city car that will be eligible for a green car cash rebate of £5,000 (50,000 Yuan).
As part of its planned £20bn spend on alternative-fuel vehicles before 2012, the Chinese government is to offer rebates to buyers of green cars and buses in thirteen of its largest cities.
Electric car with 90-mile range
The Chery Automobile Company is the largest domestic car producer in China and the S18 model is its first foray into the electric car market.
The S18 is able to travel up to 90 miles on a single charge. It can be fully charged in four to six hours from a household socket.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Electric cars have made little impact in Britain partly because of their limited range, but China is going to transform the market with this new crop of green vehicles.”
Electric cars in Britain
| The electric car market | … at a glance |
|---|---|
| Percentage of cars in Britain that are electric | 0.01 |
| Number of major manufacturers that sells electric carrs in Britain | 0 |
| Percentage of British emissions from road transport | 20 |
With Britain committed to cutting all greenhouse gases by 80% by 2050, up to £20 million has been earmarked for British research into developing the technology needed to make electric cars practical and affordable.
Electric cars: Are they any good?
| Electric cars: What’s good | what’s not so good |
|---|---|
 In environmental terms, probably the best car option around especially if the electricity it uses comes from renewable sources |
 Generally low top speed (although electric cars can have surprisingly quick acceleration, so they can keep up with city traffic without any difficulty) |
| Zero emissions from the car itself makes it a saint in the city |
Limited range and lengthy recharging times means they are not suitable for long journeys – but is set to change |
| Extremely quiet |
The batteries cause pollution problems when the time comes to dispose of them |
|
Exempt from the London Congestion Charge, no road tax and only pennies per mile to run |
Expensive to buy |
Related electric car articles:
China offers generous rebates on green cars
Electric car with five seats launched
New electric MPV boasts 400km range
Electric cars – tell me more
London taxis may go electric
What is the ETA?
The ETA is an ethical organisation providing motorists and cyclists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.