Drivers unmoved by electric cars

SUPPORT for electric cars appears to be failing to spark off real interest from drivers, according to a survey of more than 3,000 motorists. Only 1% of UK drivers own an alternative fuel vehicle (AFV), while CO2 emissions are at the bottom of the checklist when Britons are shopping for a new car, the poll by Auto Trader found. Since January 2011, motorists have been eligible for up to £5,000 upfront cost relief on the purchase of a new electric vehicle but the survey showed that 35% of drivers were unaware of this grant.

Honda Fit EV prices drop

Responding to price-dropping offers from other automakers on their electric vehicles, Honda will slash the lease deal for its Fit EV starting in June. From the current level of a zero-down, $389/month lease, Honda has lowered the price to zero down and $259/month. Also, for any current holder of a Honda Fit EV lease, effective June 1, their monthly lease payment will also drop to $259 a month.

Audi R8 e-tron – cruising in California video

We have video of the Audi R8 e-tron cruising the Pacific Coast Highway Audi first revealed its electric car project at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September last year with the R8 e-tron, an electric car based on the R8 and featuring four electric motors creating a quattro EV. Audi then went on to reveal their second e-tron at the Detroit Motor Show – the Audi R4 e-tron – which seems to preview a new R4 model from Audi and finally the latest – and most convincing e-tron – the Audi A1 e-tron at the Geneva Motor Show last week. But so far we’ve not seen any of the e-trons on the move.