Glasgow-based broker, First Vehicle Leasing, has reported an increased demand for electric cars.

Graham McCarthy said:

“The electric car market is booming. Indeed, industry figures for last year show that 14,500 electric cars were sold in the UK compared to less than 5000 the previous year – and certainly the number of enquires we’ve received about EVs (electric vehicles) has soared over the last 12 months.

“You can quickly and easily recharge your electric car from your own home, with no need to find a petrol station.

“Electric cars are cheaper to run. Electricity can be up to one third cheaper than petrol or diesel, saving you money per mile. Electric cars offer a quieter and smoother drive. With no tailpipe, electric cars don’t pump harmful emissions into the atmosphere – and fully electric cars are exempt from Vehicle Tax in the UK.”

Despite the demand, the emerging technology means that there are fewer models of electric vehicles to choose from than conventional ones. In addition, electric cars usually cost more to buy outright, with some new models costing up to £25,000.

McCarthy continued;

“There’s no denying that the range on an electric car is far shorter than one with a petrol or diesel engine, most electric cars can only travel a distance of 100 miles before needing to be fully recharged again.

“That said, according to the latest census, the average person in the UK travels just over nine miles to work every day. And whilst you will ideally have a garage to charge your car easily, as of January 2014 there were more than 6000 public electric car charge points across the UK. That’s why we expect demand for electric cars to accelerate for the foreseeable future.”