London comes together in electric car dreams

For a greener capital, the switch to electric vehicles is important, but is the charging infrastructure there yet? Sarah Warwick spoke to three Londoners who put the cars through their paces

- 

ELECTRIC cars are undoubtedly the future, in terms of developing a greener, safer capital. But what is the reality of using them right now? With electric vehicle owners set to pay road tax for the first time after the new budget, there may be more reason for scepticism on top of charging anxiety. Yet, the need is there, so we asked three Londoners to try out a vehicle to see if they are functional and fun, and if the charging infrastructure is up to speed. The verdict from our drivers? Mixed!

“So easy”

Time-poor parent Elisa Bray swapped her petrol car for an electric SUV — the Volkswagen ID4 — and enjoyed the comfort and quiet of a guilt-free car run.

I drive a Renault Twingo for the school run, which is among the smallest cars into which you can cram three children, and perfect for London parking, so I was full of trepidation about driving an SUV. Luckily the gadgets of this electric car quickly helped me get over my worries.

Parking and reversing were surprisingly easy thanks to the sensors; you can see the distance between your car and those in front and behind, and lines guide the direction to steer. With a dodgy shoulder due to lugging a heavy toddler around, it was a relief not to have to constantly crane my neck to check distances.

The “heads up display” meant the speedometer was helpfully projected onto the windscreen along with the compulsory speed limit. Google Maps was also on the screen to adapt to traffic — when I could locate it.