Willson made the call for action from the Motorexpo in London’s Canary Wharf this week, as part of the Drive the Future green motor show. The event provides motorists with the opportunity to sample electric, hybrid and eco-friendly cars for free.

Suspending VAT would reduce showroom prices by as much as £5,000 for some models, bringing them closer to conventional cars. Despite government grants, only 500 EVs have sold so far this year, and Willson says prices need to fall before consumers will take notice of the environmental benefits.  

Willson says: ‘While the Government gives £5,000 grants for EVs, they’re still far too expensive. Clawing back thousands of pounds of that grant in VAT isn’t helping.

‘We need to create demand among consumers and confidence for investors. The UK must lead the world in green car technology before the Chinese beat us to it.’