Sunday drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: A look at the electronic vehicles at the Auto Expo

February’s got to be the most ‘charged’ month in my motoring life. It began with the Auto Expo where everyone and their uncle unveiled electric vehicles in all shapes and sizes. Motor shows are the place for manufacturers to flaunt their green credentials, to show they really care about planet earth and beat the EV drum to the tune of policy makers, environmentalists and even the courts. But what about the consumer? No one’s asked him or her if they want one. And that’s led to a huge disconnect between what you see under the bright lights on the show floor and what you can actually buy in the showrooms. The truth is, we still aren’t ready for mass adoption of EVs. They are too expensive, there’s no charging infrastructure and there’s that big fear of running out of charge, which by the way has added a new phrase in the lexicon: ‘range anxiety.’