Electric car with five seats launched
There is currently a rather large stumbling block for families wanting an electric car – there is no five-seat model available.
The British-based Nice Car Company used the Motor Show in London this week to launch the Ze-O – the world’s first electric family car.
A spokesperson at the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The amount of power available from batteries has restricted the size of electric cars, but the technology is moving quickly and wider use of lithium-ion technology will see more five-seat models such as the Ze-O.”
| The Ze-O | …at a glance |
|---|---|
| Cost to buy | £13,995 |
| Cost to run | 3 pence per mile |
| Top speed | 50mph |
| Range | 65 miles |
| How does it recharge? | Household supply over 5 to 8 hours |
Motor Show goes electric
The Motor show also saw the launch of Britain’s first electric taxi. The E7 has a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 60mph, but has not been licensed for use as a black cab in London because it does not meet the strict 25ft turning circle rule. The widely-used diesel-powered TX4 black cab emits 226g of CO2 per km – which would place it in the highest emissions-based band for road tax were it not exempt.
Goingreen, which sells the G-Wiz electric two-seater car has unveiled a model with a range of 70 miles that is expected to go on sale in September. Honda’s hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity is also on dispaly at the show.
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ETA Car Buyers’ Guide
Green driving
The ETA is a not-for-profit 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.
