Calls for support for North East electric cars

Sep 15 2010 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

ELECTRIC vehicle experts have warned jobs in the North East could be delayed if the Government does not show a dedicated commitment to the low carbon economy.

Hundreds of new jobs in Northumberland, Tyneside and Wearside are dependent upon kickstarting a market for electric cars, using Government help for research and subsidies.

But last night it was claimed the coalition Government must show it is prepared to back the region in the same way as Labour previously did or see the North East lose its world-leading position.

Robert Evans, chief executive at Cenex, the Government backed centre of excellence for low carbon and fuel cell technologies, called for essential Government support to continue.

He insisted that efforts from within regions such as the North East to build an economy based around low carbon vehicles meant many more jobs would be created, but that these would not happen if the Government did not continue with car subsidies and research support.

Mr Evans will speak today at a national low carbon technology conference where he is expected to praise the work done in the North East to introduce more than 1,000 charging points.

He told The Journal: “All governments want to make their own mark, but we need to ensure they continue to support these activities and provide stimulus.

“There are a lot of jobs dependent on this, the future of the motor industry is now dependent upon the low carbon economy.