London ePrix could boost electric car sales

The UK’s plug-in vehicle sector is already experiencing record levels of demand in 2015 and the finale of the Formula E season in London could accelerate this trend. With thousands of spectators watching the races, plus millions more watching the event across the world, electric vehicle campaign Go Ultra Low anticipates a boost to plug-in car enquiries and registration figures.

With a huge variety of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) now on the market, each capable of delivering running costs as low as 2p per mile, the volume of ULEV sales in 2015 is expected to out-pace the tally for all previous years combined. Mass-market electric vehicle sales began in 2011 and from then to the end of 2014, around 20,000 were registered in the UK. Greater awareness, boosted by events such as Formula E, expect to see the figure in 2015 alone surpass this total.

“With the UK leading the way in sales of electric cars in the EU, I can’t think of a more fitting location for this year’s Formula E championship to draw to a close,” said Hetal Shah, head of Go Ultra Low. “Sales of electric vehicles are on course to hit record numbers this year, and the arrival of Formula E will certainly give sales a fantastic boost.

“Motorists already appreciate the cost savings, practicality and environmental benefits of driving an electric vehicle. I hope that by watching Formula E people will see that they are not just good for your pocket and the environment but also fun to drive.”

The Go Ultra Low campaign is the first of its kind, bringing together seven car manufacturers (Audi, BMW, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault, Toyota, and Volkswagen), the Department for Transport, and the SMMT.

Information for motorists and fleet audiences about the variety of ULEVs available, their costs and charge point locations can be found at www.goultralow.com.