BR Video: Public debates practicality of electric cars

Many said they would buy an electric car or conceded they were a wise purchase for some, but brand awareness beyond Toyota is limited.

Sandra, a 54-year-old support worker would buy one, "if there was more on the market, more availability of them. Next time I look for a car, I might look to an electric car."

Police community support officer Samantha said, "Yeah, I’d buy one now. I travel quite a long distance to work."  She said it would benefit her economically by not having to buy petrol.

Paul, a contracts manager, said: "I think they’re excellent if you work in town. I think they’re actually brilliant."

Christine, a 51-year-old flying instructor, said she had no interest in buying an electric car, but added she supposed she should, given the environmental impact.

Support worker Karen, 25, said, "I’d buy one because they’re better for the environment…I’d buy them when they’ve got some kind of charging stations placed around. If you’re out driving somewhere and you’ve got no place to charge it up, it'd be a bit of a nightmare."

Nigel, a trainer, said he would buy if people started buying into it and money was put into it.

Another Nigel, a 47-year-old civil servant said, "I don’t ever see myself buying an electric car. I just don’t think the technology is going to be there for a number of years."

Among those inclined to buy, there was no great brand awareness however.

"I don’t even know who’s making electric cars at the moment," said Karen.

Paul, Samantha and civil servant Nigel all cited Toyota, but had trouble identifying any other brands.

"I know of Toyota," said Lauka, a 32-year-old tailor.  "Maybe Honda. I’m not sure."

Nigel, the civil servant, said: "G-Whiz, that little-two seat plastic thing that would get you crushed to death by a milk float if you had an accident, they’re the only ones I see. By the sheer number I see, I deduce that they’re the market leader."