Motoring News

The growing trend of sustainable motoring is seeing three quarters of consumers keen on purchasing an electric motor.

A total of 71 per cent of British motorists would consider buying an electric car if it meant they could combat ‘green’ issues, new research from esure has revealed.

Young people appear more attracted to the option of electric vehicles, with 81 per cent of under 25-year-olds considering a purchase compared to 66 per cent of over-55s.

This may be an indication of the fact that more experienced drivers are considering other ways to decrease fuel consumption.

Recent research from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) found that many drivers are adopting different driving patterns to curb their fuel consumption.

Driving with under inflated tyres, roof storage, using the air con, driving over 80 mph and driving aggressively can all increase fuel consumption and this can actually impact on cost.

Tax benefits promote the purchase of more economical vehicles but without sensible driving this can render them useless.

Drivers looking for powerful vehicles that are also environmentally friendly may find that a purchase is realistic if they adopt the right driving technique.

According to the IAM, a Focus ECOnetic may emit as much CO2 as a seven-seater people carrier in the mould of a Galaxy.

This would also wipe out any savings made on fuel for drivers of the Focus by reducing its fuel consumption.

Tim Shallcross, head of technical policy at IAM, said taxes on motorists were clearly not as influential as education on the right cars and the right way to drive.