Isra-Mart srl: Study finds electric vehicles "perfect for urban driving"

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Drivers of electric cars make longer daily journeys than those in petrol or diesel equivalents, according to a new study claiming to be the most in-depth review of electric vehicle use in the real world.

A year-long trial conducted by BMW discovered that the driving behaviour of 138 participants did not really change when swapping conventional engines for electric motors.

The 40 electric Minis travelled an average of 29.7 miles a day, while the control cars, a mix of Mini Cooper and BMW 116i models, recorded 26.5 miles.

Four fifths of the 138 drivers who took part said that 80 per cent of their journeys could be undertaken in the Mini E electric car, which makes sense when the average daily drive in the UK is 25 miles.

Fleet participants who swapped their usual cars for the electric Mini said that it was fine for 70 per cent of journeys made during the working day, while the pool car success rate was even higher, with 80 to 90 per cent of regular trips achievable.

Single trips in the electric cars were also found to be above the national average, at 9.5 as opposed to seven miles, while one determined commuter clocked up almost 8,000 miles over a six-month period.

Despite travelling almost 30 miles a day, drivers recharged the electric cars fewer than three times a week. More than 80 per cent recharged at home, with cheap overnight tariffs encouraging drivers to plug-in when demand is lowest and a greater proportion of renewable energy is in the grid mix. The average cost to charge over six months was £60, less than 2p per mile.

However, while nine out of 10 drivers said that recharging suited their daily routine, 82 per cent thought it "essential" that a network of charging points is established, infrastructure which the government's charging strategy has branded uneconomic.

BMW said that 96 per cent of participants would consider buying an electric car as a result of taking part in the trial, and half would be happy to pay a third more to get one. Just under a third would purchase within a year, while 55 per cent would be happy to wait two or more years.

The German manufacturer will use the data to develop its first purpose built electric vehicle, the BMW i3, set for launch in 2013.

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London's environment director, said that the study will also shape policy decisions, adding that Boris Johnson's plans to expand the Source London charging point infrastructure will address many of the concerns raised.

"Electric driving technology is coming on leaps and bounds, but people naturally still have questions and concerns," he said.

"Research such as this ... into real-life experiences is invaluable as it debunks some common myths and underscores why electric vehicles are perfect for urban driving."