Electric cars to receive boost

The number of electric cars on the roads of the UK is to be given a boost through a series of initiatives.

Prime minister Gordon Brown has this week met with car manufacturers at the British International Motor Show to discuss the feasibility of an electric charging network in the UK, according to New Energy Focus.

Mr Brown has pledged £90 million for research and development of low carbon vehicles and a further £20 million to help bolster the low emissions car market.

Meanwhile, London mayor Boris Johnson has declared an electric car "revolution" and announced the establishment of 100 new charging locations in the capital.

"Electric cars provide zero emissions at their point of use," he said.

"If we can help make these cars affordable, attractive and easy for Londoners to use then I believe we can put London in pole position when it comes to the use of this type of technology."

In related news, Glasgow-based firm Allied Vehicles will not be able to deploy its E7 zero carbon taxis in London as a result of a failure to meet the city's requirements.