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Electric car sales collapse
04 December 2008
Sales of electric cars have more than halved this year, forcing one EV manufacturer - the NICE Car Company - into administration.
Just 156 EVs have been sold in the UK since the start of the year, according to cleangreencars.co.uk.
London-based NICE, which sold the Mega City and was looking to expand its range, had recently opened its second showroom in the new Westfield shopping centre. The firm showcased a Fiat 500 with its electric drivetrain technology at this year’s London motor show.
But administrators were called in last week. Today there was no comment from the NICE press office. A spokesperson admitted that the company was “no longer paying” him. Going Green, which distributes the G-Wiz, is also reportedly suffering from falling sales.
In total there are around 1100 all-electric cars on the road in the UK. Sales suffered after the government and local council wound back incentives for drivers of the vehicles. In June, the City of London reversed its decision to allow EV drivers free parking.
Crucially, both NICE and Going Green have been criticised over the crash worthiness of their cars.
Will Powell
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