Two years ago, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) were of the opinion that electric vehicles did not have a place in the UK market.
This year however the opinion of the UK motor trade body has performed a dramatic U-turn saying that the right forces are coming together to make electric vehicles viable.
Catherine Hutt head of the EV Group at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders explains: "Two years ago I didn't think EVs had a future in the UK and I would have advised people to go elsewhere,"
She told the 140 delegates at the Sunderland International Automotive Conference "Now my view has changed completely."
Ms Hutt continues, "The reason for the change is that the political, commercial and social forces are coming together at the right time. There is a new bond between government and the industry, the commercial aspects are healthier and socially there is now kudos attached to being green."
The support shown by the current government for EVs, especially Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, had also helped change her mind.
"A younger generation of customers who are more prepared to lease or rent rather than own will help shape the EV market" she said.
But EVs will still need companies to adopt some radical thinking. There will be a need for small and medium-sized companies to form non-traditional partnerships and harness a portfolio of technologies while there also will be room for new players in the market.
