The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has published the Electric Car Guide to help motorists make more informed decisions when purchasing an electric vehicle.

Presented in a Q&A-style format, the free publication addresses queries relating to electric vehicles including information about batteries, charging, vehicle performance, on-the-road cost, Government incentives and safety.

Paul Everitt, SMMT’s chief executive, said: “Over the past decade, the pace of technological developments in the automotive industry has picked up considerably as vehicle manufacturers focus on increasing the fuel efficiency of their vehicles and cutting CO2 emissions.

“Our responsibility is therefore greater than ever to guide motorists through the increasing range of choices they now face. It is important they understand the benefits they can experience, equipping them with the best information to make the right purchasing decision for their driving needs.”

Transport secretary, Philip Hammond, recently confirmed that the ‘Plug-In Car Grant’, designed to stimulate demand for low carbon vehicles, will go ahead from January 2011.

Motorists will be entitled to a grant for up to 25% of the cost (capped at £5,000), when buying an electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell car, providing it meets safety, reliability, performance and warranty standards set by the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles (OLEV) in consultation with industry.

The Electric Car Guide, published by SMMT, can be downloaded here.