Petrol cars will remain 'staple' as electric cars develop

It will take 20 years before petrol and diesel cars are no longer the public's first choice of transport as electric cars take time to improve, according to an expert.

Speaking after Nissan International's announcement on Monday (May 17th) that its new electric Nissan LEAF will be priced at £25,641, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Paul Everett suggested that it will take time for electric cars to develop before they become the staple choice of transport.

Mr Everett said: "What we will see at the same time is the development of a significant niche market, for both electric and plug-in hybrid [cars]."

The price of Nissan's new vehicle, which goes on sale next February, will go down to £23,350 after government incentives.

By not using petrol or diesel, electric cars will help reduce the UK's carbon emissions, which the Office for National Statistics recently announced were estimated to be 480.9 million tonnes in 2009.

By Lauren Steadman