CABLED trial shows EVs satisfy requirements of urban drivers

CABLED (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators) is the largest of eight public trials taking part in the Technology Strategy Board’s £25m Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator programme.

The data, taken from 25 Mitsubishi i-MiEVs and 20 smart fortwo electric drives during the course of the trial, shows that in spite of initial scepticism surrounding the capability of EVs and concerns over range anxiety, they are able to meet the needs of motorists that require efficient urban transportation.

According to CABLED, this is reflected by the finding that 77 per cent of journeys undertaken lasted less than 20 minutes and only two per cent used more than 50 per cent of the battery, enabling a return journey to be made without the need for recharging in many cases.

The data also showed a trend towards drivers travelling longer journeys over time, indicating increased confidence and reduced range anxiety.

In relation to charging behaviour, the CABLED data is said to show that EV users are not motivated to replenish their vehicle’s battery by reaching a particular point of depletion.