In pictures: Fifty years since Ford's Comuta electric car trial

The car could travel just 40 miles (64km) at a steady speed of 25mph (40km/h)

Fifty years ago, Ford launched an experiment in the electric cars market.

It unveiled its Comuta model in June 1967, built at the car giant's Dunton Technical Centre, near Laindon in Essex.

Using technology similar to that used in a milk float, it could travel 40 miles (64km) at a speed of 25mph (40km/h).

At the time of its unveiling, Ford said: "We regard this as a step in our programme to develop a commercially practical electric car."

A Ford spokesman said: "There was never an intention to put it into production. It was an experimental car, with just two Comutas built - one is now in the Science Museum."

Now, the company has seven electric vehicles it plans to introduce over the next five years.

Registrations of new ultra-low emissions vehicles, such as plug-in electric cars, are rising sharply. Between April and June 2016, there were nearly 10,000 electric vehicles registered.

Here is a look back at the Ford Comuta in pictures:

There were only two Ford Comutas made - one is now in the Science Museum in London

The Comuta was about half the size of a normal car

The Comuta was designed and built at Ford's Dunton Technical Centre, near Laindon, in June 1967

Dunton Technical Centre was also opened in 1967

The Ford Comuta weighed 550kg

The car did not have a huge amount of legroom for any passengers