Petrol and diesel cars could cost up to £1,500 more under proposals

Report suggests buyers of polluting vehicles should subsidise electric cars

Up to 1,500 could be added to the cost of new petrol and diesel cars in order to subsidise electric car purchases, under proposals being considered by the government.

Forcing buyers of more polluting vehicles to pay towards making electric cars cheaper, a so-called feebate" system, would be one of the most effective ways to encourage a faster move away from fossil fuels, according to a feasibility report commissioned by the Department for Transport (DfT).