One in three motorists would consider buying an electric car in the next 12 months according to a new survey by Motorpoint.

The online poll by the car supermarket found 41% of people quizzed were impressed enough by the new generation of electric cars coming onto the market such as the Mitsubishi iMiev and Nissan Leaf to invest in one at some point in the near future.

Over 1,900 people participated in the study at www.motorpoint.co.uk.

Despite the enthusiasm from customers considering an electric car, David Shelton, Motorpoint managing director, said there will still key factors that need addressing before the market will take off properly.

He said: “It is clear that there is likely to be an initial take-up of electric cars from the so-called ‘early adopters’.

“However, to ensure mass take-up, manufacturers still need to urgently address key factors such as price, range, reliability and residual values, as these issues are likely to hold back the vast majority of people from buying an electric car in the short to medium term.”