SEARCHES for environmentally friendly vehicles spiked eight per cent in August, Auto Trader has revealed.
The month-on-month rise in searches coincided with the announcement of the Mini E trial results, which was designed to monitor and assess real-world usage of electric cars and were published on August 4, 2011.
Auto Trader also reports that the Mini Cooper brand benefitted from its involvement in the trial, with searches for its popular hatchback up 14 per cent in the same period.
138 motorists participated in the Mini E trial over two six-month periods. Among other benefits, the drivers found that the average cost to charge over six months was £60 (less than 2p per mile), while 81 per cent preferred to plug in the car rather than go to a fuel station.
Ian MacDonald, head of consumer marketing at Auto Trader, said: ‘Environmentally friendly cars have made huge advances in recent years and this has begun to translate to serious momentum with consumers.
‘The Mini E results are very encouraging because it shows that consumers can not only reduce running costs, but that they don’t have to compromise on the motoring experience either. AutoTrader.co.uk is already one of the leading destinations for car buyers, providing them with detailed information and advice on a relatively young area in the automotive industry.
‘The interest in electrical cars offers dealers the opportunity to engage with motorists interested in an electric car through the Auto Trader website.
‘Tools such as our Owner and Expert Reviews and key comparison features are designed to help consumers make their final purchasing decision and equip them to work with their local dealer community to find the best model and price for them, whether electric, hybrid or any other fuel type.’
