been attacked by the Opposition.

The Government is certain that electric cars will soon be introduced to Bermuda.

But their claims have been attacked because Opposition MPs do not believe the cars are viable at present.

Government arguments are backed by researchers who say that prototype solar-powered vehicles will soon be in general use.

But other experts say that the vehicles of the future are not ready and will be too expensive.

Transport Minister the Hon. Ralph Marshall said calculations had proved electric cars are cheaper to run than gas-powered cars.

"Costs will not be prohibitive,'' he said. "A gas car which will last about 10 years, will cost $2,800 a year to run, while an electric car, which will last 15 years, will cost $2,700 a year to run.

"They have been tested and have a range, at 60 m.p.h. of 120 miles. In fact solar-powered cars have been driven across Australia.'' But Shadow Finance Minister Mr. Eugene Cox (PLP) said the solar-powered cars had only been tested across the Australian desert.

He said presently the nickel cadmium batteries used in electric cars were environmentally dangerous and took a long time to re-charge.