Running costs will depend on power prices and the payment model - some drivers may rent their batteries - but Nissan says driving a kilometre in an EV could cost as little as one euro, compared with 10 euros in a petrol car.Įuropean prices for Nissan's Leaf, a medium-sized hatchback, are set to be announced shortly. But I think that simply seeing they exist will help the market to increase.”Ĭarmakers will rely on government subsidies and tax breaks to make electric cars - which will cost more than ordinary models to start with - affordable to consumers. Probably most people will purely recharge at home and they will very rarely use the plugs in the streets or car parks. Renault’s Koskas agreed: “Visibility is key. Nissan’s Leaf, due to arrive in major European markets early next year, has a cruising range of 160 kilometres, while Peugeot’s iOn and Citroen’s C-Zero, on sale in Europe later this year, can drive around 130 kilometres on a full charge, compared with at least 500 kilometres in a small petrol-engined car. Stephen Stradling, Professor of Transport Psychology at Edinburgh’s Napier University, said drivers would see giving up the autonomy and spontaneous mobility synonymous with an “automobile” as a barrier at first. Volkswagen VOWG_p.DE, Europe's top carmaker, wants to be the industry leader in EVs by 2018, but is not launching its first electric car until 2013.Īnalysts say the first hurdle for companies to overcome is the scepticism of drivers used to being able to jump into their cars and drive, without waiting for a battery to charge or having to stop to top it up. PSA, which is bringing partner Mitsubishi's 7211.T iMiEV to Europe badged as iOn and C-Zero, sees EVs accounting for 5 percent of new car sales in 2020.
Renault and Japanese partner Nissan 7201.T are investing 4 billion euros in an EV project and forecast the category will make up 10 percent of the new car market by 2020. REUTERS/Charles PlatiauĪnalysts say that initial sales are likely to be sluggish and the genre will make only small inroads into the broader car market, posing a challenge to carmakers with plenty at stake, including Renault RENA.PA and PSA Peugeot Citroen PEUP.PA. (zero emission) Renault concept car in the courtyard of the Ecology ministry after a meeting focus on electric and hybrid cars development in Paris April 13, 2010. French carmaker Renault chief operating officer Patrick Pelata poses in front the Kangoo Z.E.
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