Electric vehicles offer a 'viable solution' according to large scale study in West Midlands
Thu 14 July 2011
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Electric vehicles can provide a viable solution for urban transport according to the results of a large scale 12-month study backed by the Technology Strategy Board in the West Midlands. The study was based on data taken from 25 Mitsubishi i-MiEVs and 20 smart fortwo electric cars trialled by motorists in the Coventry and Birmingham areas.
The CABLED project is the largest of eight public trials taking part in The Technology Strategy Board’s £25m Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator programme. The project collected data to enable understanding of how electric vehicles are used in real life and to assist in the planning of the further expansion of the supporting infrastructure.
The study looked at the implications of habitual charging behaviour and patterns of energy use during the trial’s 147,000 miles of EV usage.
Results from the trials showed that up to 77% of journeys undertaken lasted less than 20 minutes and only 2% used more than 50% of the battery. In spite of initial scepticism surrounding the capability of EVs (electric vehicles) and concerns over range anxiety, the trials showed the vehicles to be capable of meeting most of the needs of drivers.
The data also showed a trend towards drivers travelling longer journeys over time - indicating increased confidence and reduced range anxiety.
The project leader Neil Butcher said (reported by the BBC): "These findings form part of the largest study of low carbon vehicle use ever compiled and, whilst our study is ongoing, it's already clear that EVs offer a viable, practical urban transport solution.
"We must now consider how our homes, offices and public spaces will need to evolve in order to cater to both users' needs and the rapidly developing technologies powering these vehicles."
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