A LOCAL Electrician is on a mission to debunk the public’s fears about switching to electric cars.

Gareth Hutchings, director of Swindon-based electrical contractor Core 7 Ltd, is putting the world to rights with a five-point article addressing the most common concerns drivers might have about going electric.

Gareth told the Adver: “Everyone has reservations on electric vehicles. Even my parents looked at one and they came away worried about the battery.”

“People don’t trust it yet, I don’t think they’re ready. Ultimately it’s the lack of infrastructure and the charging ability around the country which makes people really reluctant.”

Gareth addresses concerns about battery life and range of electric cars, arguing better technology should alleviate these concerns. For example, most new electric cars, like the BMW i range come with an 8 year or 100,000 mile warranty.

Many modern vehicles also now have a range of up to 300 miles, compared with the 75 miles a 2010 Nissan Leaf could manage.

Currently drivers of electric and hybrid cars also receive a government grant of between £4,500 - £,7000, depending on the fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

“Ultimately they pay for themselves,” said Gareth, “especially with the fuel price creeping back up now.

"If you have one for five or eight years while it's under warranty you'll save about fifty per cent of it's cost in fuel, depending on how many miles your doing."

“I think more action needs to be taken by councils, because there’s a huge amount of money available, £7,500 per charge point for on-street parking is available for councils, and as yet hardly any have taken that money.

“I’ve been looking at the new Nissan range which are electric vans and they look really good.

"There’s not many reasons why you can’t go across to electric.”