Groups urge ministers to rev up electric car industry

SCOTTISH ministers were today urged to take action to raise the country's profile in the fledgling electric car industry.

An alliance of business and environmental groups called on the Scottish Government to "do all that it could" to deliver the take-up of electric vehicles north of the Border.

They want the government to ensure the infrastructure is in place for the cars to be widely used, and for people to be encouraged to switch from oil-fuelled vehicles.

Glasgow-based vehicle manufacturer Allied Vehicles, Dundee-based battery specialist Axeon and WWF Scotland jointly praised the ambition shown by ministers but said there was "no room for delay" in pushing forward the industry.

Electric vehicles are said to be up to four times more efficient than internal combustion engines and it is hoped that expanding the industry in Scotland would not only cut carbon emissions but also boost the jobs market.

Paul Nelson, managing director of Allied Electric, said: "It is essential we fight to hold on to the lead we have worked so hard to gain as it has the potential to create hundreds of much needed manufacturing jobs."

Lawrence Berns, chief executive of Axeon, added that the company "strongly supports" initiatives taken by the government to accelerate the take-up of electric vehicles in Scotland.

The Scottish Government is expected to publish the results of its Low Carbon Vehicle consultation during the spring.

Sam Gardner of the WWF said the government needed "a rapid stepping up" to encourage the widespread use of electric cars.