With a Climate Change Bill looking to ban new diesel and petrol cars by 2040, we ask residents if they’ve ever considered going electric.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle announced this month that the government will be bringing forward the bill to be presented to Tynwald in the next legislative year.

Laura Cain, 25, from Kirk Michael, is ahead of the game as she has an electric car.

’I was spending £300 a month on petrol as I lived in Sulby, so I made the change due to economical reasons and I didn’t enjoy going to the petrol station as I would think "what’s the point when there’s a better alternative?",’ she said.

’I’d try to convert anybody to go electric. I love it. I charge it at home and at public points because it’s free that way.

’It annoys me when people worry it won’t travel far on its charge. It’s 90 miles on a full charge in mine and I don’t travel 90 miles a day. The newer cars would go 250 miles and that’s more than adequate!’

It cost her about £400 to £500 for a charge point at home and Manx Utilities fitted a smart meter for an additional cost of about £150, she said.

’In the UK you get a grant to buy the car, they pay for the meter and you get a free charging point for home,’ she said. ’I think we’re in a unique position in the island and we could push this much more. I wish they could move the target of 2040 closer. If there were grants from the government and more incentive then I’m sure more people will do it.’

She suggests initiatives should be started to allow people to test out the vehicles.

Stewart and Janet Green from Onchan would consider buying an electric car.

’It’s down to price,’ Stewart said. ’The island is so small, you could drive it from one end to the other and it’s not going to run out of electricity. I’ve got a Jaguar and it’s very expensive to run. We’re looking for a small car now. I’ve looked at a Nissan LEAF, but it’s quite expensive.’

Ken and Margaret Cross, 79 and 77, from Douglas, haven’t considered buying an electric car.

’This is due to price and facilities,’ said Ken. ’I have a petrol car which I only use to see the grandchildren or go to hospital. I agree with the Climate Change Bill, but I cannot afford the changes.’

Andy North, 49, from Crosby, said: ’In 1992 I had my first ride in an electric vehicle in Denmark. On a moped I silently crossed through a forest listening to the lovely noises.’

It was then he thought the electric bug would catch on fast, with the vehicles becoming popular in Britain.

’At the time I was working for the Danish Institute for Renewable Energy. I found that it’s not about the technology, but the politics and philosophy. If people want to change, they will.

’The range of electric cars has gone up. The island needs the price range to go down so it’s much cheaper. I’m a bit sceptical that they control the metals then they control the price. We need to ask why they don’t fit batteries and electric motors on to old vehicles.’

Peel resident, Paul Faragher, 40, said: ’I think the public needs to be better informed into the practicalities, cost and how it can work in the future.

’I’m surprised that more action wasn’t taken years ago. The technology has been there.’