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With increased investment in electric car infrastructure planned across many of our cities and big players like Renault-Nissan outlining their commitment to producing zero-emission vehicles in the UK,it seems that electric cars are the future.

And what with the soaring cost of petrol and emission targets pushing up road tax for many, the prospect of electric motoring is becoming an increasingly attractive prospect for many UK drivers.

The success of the electric concept will be helped in no small measure by the development of affordable family cars like the Nissan Leaf and Renault ZE range - both of which are due to begin rolling off the production line in the UK and Central Europe over the next few years.

The technology as it stands

The lithium-ion batteries which are currently being favoured by electric car manufacturers enable a vehicle to travel around 100 miles before it needs to be recharged, a limitation which is unlikely to affect the majority of urban motorists and commuters.

In fact, it’s thought that around 80% of the journeys currently undertaken worldwide cover less than 65 miles - something which would be easily within the capabilities of the current technology.

When their electric vehicles begin to run low on power, motorists will be able to charge them in one of three ways under current proposals.

Recharging methods

The first charging option, which requires the least in the way of additional investment and infastructure, is via a standard electric household socket. This takes around 6-8 hours to achieve currently.

The second option is via a new high power socket which will be located in car parks, offices, supermarkets, service stations etc. This proposed network of ‘fast charge’ power points will take around 30 minutes to charge a battery and will offer a standardised European plug fitting.

Lastly, under current plans, a network of quickdrop battery exchange stations will be developed around our towns, cities and major routes. These ‘garages of the future’ will enable drivers to simply drop off their flat battery and collect a new fully charged one in exchange - allowing them to top up and take off again instantly.