Sir, – Eoin Burke-Kennedy addresses the potential loss to the public purse as electric vehicles replace petrol and diesel ("Switch to EVs could punch a ¤5 billion hole in public finances", Business, January 10th).
His discussion of possible solutions recalls an exchange, almost two centuries ago, between Michael Faraday and the then chancellor of the exchequer, following Faraday’s discovery of electromagnetic induction, the basis of electricity supply. On being asked by the chancellor what use his discovery might be, Faraday replied, “I know not, sir, but I warrant one day you’ll tax it”. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN FOX,
Professor Emeritus,
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Queen’s University Belfast.