With attitudes to alternatively fuelled vehicles changing, more and more UK adults are in favour of buying an electric car. It seems that low running costs, cheaper or zero car tax and additional incentives such as the government’s plug-in car grant are beginning to persuade people to look beyond the traditional marketplace.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK and take an active interest in this new and promising market. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said recently: “Thanks to massive investment by vehicle manufacturers, British car buyers have never enjoyed so much choice that extends to every fuel type.”

Alternatively fuelled car registrations have grown more than threefold over the past five years, and in January this year they recorded their highest ever market share. Last year, 36,917 were registered. These vehicles help clean up the environment and save motorists money in day-to-day running costs.

There are currently around 80 different alternatively fuelled models, both cars and vans on the British market, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fully electric and hydrogen powered vehicles. They cover the whole range of sizes and styles that customers want from small city runabouts to SUVs, saloons, and sports cars, along with a range of commercial vehicles.

There are still many though who remain unconvinced. “There is a need for ongoing government support for this new market,” said Hawes. “We want to encourage more people to switch to ultra-low emission vehicles in meaningful numbers but more must be done to boost buyer confidence.”