§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been undertaken by his Department on the possible use and development of electric cars in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe Transport Research Laboratory is soon to complete a review of worldwide research and experience in the use and environmental impact of alternative fuels including electricity. This covers various road vehicles including cars. It will draw on earlier TRL work on electric vehicles which included published reports on their market prospects, energy consumption and refuelling infrastructure.
The Department is also funding a study examining the feasibility of limited in-service field trials of vehicles using a range of alternative fuels including electricity.
In addition, engineers in the Department continue to keep abreast of electric vehicle developments worldwide, and I welcome the continuing efforts by manufacturers to develop advanced batteries and more competitive electric vehicles.