I wrote a couple of weeks ago that you had better get used to the idea of hybrid and full electric cars. You might think they’re only driven by environmentalists who bang on about saving the planet. But on the back of last week’s news that Nissan is to build its Leaf electric car in the UK, today I give you probably the best evidence yet that these vehicles are going to have an impact on your motoring life sooner rather than later.
Ford is the biggest retailer of new cars in the UK, so what it does, matters. When it announces it will be selling five full-electric and hybrid cars in European markets by 2013, trust me, it’s a big deal. One will be a battery powered version of the Focus hatchback – a prototype is pictured – and it wouldn’t be risking the reputation of one of its most popular models without some serious thought first.
The key questions surround cost. At the moment, so few people are buying eco-cars that they have to pay a premium for the privilege. With a volume player such as Ford involved, demand means that might not have to happen. Rivals will be forced to offer the same deal, a tipping point will be reached and suddenly the end of the line for traditional petrol and diesel cars is in sight. The face of motoring is changing before your very eyes.
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