Magic 1170

A few years ago they were just a pipe dream, zany designs which looked like they came from out of space, rather than being a realistic alternative to gas guzzlers.

But electric cars have come a long way, they're now luxurious family cars which wouldn't look out of place on the school run.

They're cheap to run too, at just 2 pence per mile compared to around 14 pence per mile for an average petrol run car. And of course, they're environmentally friendly.  

So is 2012 the year electric cars become mainstream?

Well the North East has been chosen by the Government to be at the forefront of low carbon vehicle development by providing a blue print for charging infrastructure.

The North East already has the highest number of charging points anywhere outside of London and it's expected we'll have 1,300 within the next few years.

Last year a committee on climate change said the UK needs 1.7 million electric cars by 2020 to help meet the country's tough carbon targets. Critics say that's optimistic, but Richard McVeigh from RMB Toyota in Stockton reckons 2012 will be the year they really take off:

'The price in fuel is rising, it's affecting everyone. The electric cars are coming down in price, it costs you absolutely nothing in fuel costs, there are tax advantages, its zero road fund license and some local authorities are offering free car parking next to their charging points.'

RMB Toyota in Stockton has just installed two electric car charging points and they're encouraging anyone to come and use them for free.

Toyota's new Hybrid Electric car, the Prius is a kind of go between, it'll run on a battery until the charge 
runs out, then it converts to a petrol engine.

Our Reporter Sarah Colley went to take it for a test drive and had a demonstration on how to charge it up.