Most convincing of the EVs on display, however,  was the professionally-developed EcoV Electric of Richard Marks, a former GM engineer who worked on the pioneering EV1 programme. Though it can only do 35mph (as yet), it’s built around a versatile modular structure for easy adaptability and a number of bodystyles; it works as a van, a pick-up truck, wheelchair-transporter, six-seater MPV or passenger vehicle, and crucially, can be supplied for less than $10,000. Marks’ firm, Environmental Transport Solutions, suggests that it’s suitable for delivery services and municipal usage, and that it can pay for itself in a couple of years in terms of petrol savings.