ELECTRIC DREAMS: Electric CVs are important for the UK, but
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more charging points are needed, according to secretary of state for transport Patrick McLoughlin (pictured).
Visiting the NEC to speak with CV Show partners and see new developments in the industry, McLoughlin took time to test drive the Nissan Leaf electric car and look over the new Nissan eNV200 van, which was making its UK debut.
He said: "This was my first experience of an electric vehicle. It's an emerging technology that is suited to the big cities. Having a range of electric vehicles is important, but there needs to be more charging points."
Liveried in the colours of British Gas, the eNV200 has recently undergone cold weather testing with the firm ahead of its launch in 2014. "I'm told that a British Gas van does an average of 50 miles a day, so this is ideal," said McLoughlin.
Speaking about the Plug-In Van Grant, available to buyers of electric CVs that qualify for the scheme, he said: "I'm sure we will see growth over time."
However, later at the show, the minister asked if the 7.5-tonne truck he was sitting in ran on "petrol or diesel".