One of the biggest drawbacks as far as buying an electric car is concerned is the lack of charge points - and from a European wide perspective, the fact that there has been no move to standardize the charging equipment, or how exactly drivers pay for it. But the European motor industry, represented by the ACEA has been discussing how a single plug might be introduced across the EU. Such a move, they argue, will inspire more people to take up electric vehicles.

The ACEA's secretary general Ivan Hodac recommended that the infrastructure providers associated with the charge points should come to an agreement as soon possible.

Among the recommendations are ideas about how the car will communicate to the grid, and how the customer will be charged for the electricity they use.

Such moves will help to standardize the industry and make investors less gittery about putting their money into infrastructure and new models. Once charge points are expanded, it is thought, drivers will also feel that there is less chance of suffering a car breakdown because they are miles from a charge point.

The motor industry appears to be working hard to help bring the electric car to the masses, but take up remains slow. It is perhaps the large initial outlay and simply the fact that drivers are comfortable with their petrol cars (especially when a second hand petrol car can be purchased for just a few hundred pounds). Most estimates of substantial uptake of electric (between 3 and 10%) suggest it will take 10 to 15 years to reach such levels.

The benefits to the environment - and in the long term to driver's pockets - are undeniable, but with so many of the country's residents feeling the economic pinch, it seems that despite Mr Hodac's efforts, the petrol car will be here to stay for some time to come.