How many votes in killing off caravans?

I am one of that small band of motorists who, on examining any new car, opens the brochure, and goes straight to section marked "towing capacities," writes Peter Rhodes.

We are the ones with caravans, boats or little aluminium trailers used for that weekly run to the local tip. We need to know that the old banger we buy has sufficient oomph to pull several hundred kilograms on the tow bar.

The snag with these new-fangled electric cars is that they may have speed and in some cases acceleration, but they do not have oomph.

Look at the brochure for the clean green Toyota Prius' towing capacity, for example, and you'll find the coy little excuse:"not applicable" .

So when Energy Secretary Chris Huhne says he wants all petrol and diesel cars replaced by battery-powered vehicles by the year 2050 he is not only signalling the end of gas guzzlers.

Unless the technology of oomph takes a great leap forward, he is also signing the death warrant of trailers, dinghies and caravans.

Not many votes in that, Mr Huhne.