Last year saw an increase in demand for electric vehicles in the UK as more people opted to lower their motoring costs.
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SSMT) showed sales of alternatively-fuelled vehicles (AFVs) rose by 58 per cent during 2014 to total 51,739 vehicles being registered.
AFV sales now account for 2.1 per cent of the market share – compared to 1.4 per cent in 2013.
"The year was particularly strong for alternatively fuelled vehicles as increased choice, coupled with a growing desire for reduced costs and greater efficiency, resulted in a quadrupling of plug-in car registrations over 2013," explained SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.
He added that with a number of new electric models expected to go on sale in 2015 then the AFV market will continue to expand.
Buyers have been encouraged to consider low emission vehicles via a government scheme launched by deputy prime minister Nick Clegg at the beginning of 2014.
The Go Ultra Low initiative was backed by a £2.5 million campaign to encourage people to adopt vehicles that are more eco-friendly. It has also helped expand the number of electric 'plug-in' models on the market, with more than 20 cars available to buy, compared to six in 2011.
Mr Clegg explained: "The extremely low running costs of these cars help drivers save money. Electric cars are one of the most promising of our green industries and we want to secure the UK’s position as a global leader in both the production and adoption of these vehicles."
Government targets are aiming for ultra-low emissions vehicles to account for every new car being registered by 2040. Therefore, an investment of £500 million between 2015 and 2020 to support the low-emission automotive industry and reduce the cost to consumers is planned.
One of the most successful hybrid cars of 2014 was built at Toyota’s Derbyshire factory. The Auris Hybrid has proved a popular choice across Europe with a 13 per cent increase in sales.
Toyota Motor Europe confirmed last year was its fourth year of successive growth in sales, with the eco-friendly cars helping to boost performance.
Tony Walker, deputy managing director of Toyota Manufacturing UK, said: "Toyota’s European sales performance once again shows the important contribution made by Toyota Manufacturing UK, with the British-built Auris, in particular the hybrid Auris models, continuing to perform strongly."
However, there are some concerns that the recent fall in petrol prices could have an impact on the AFV market as consumers lessen their focus on tackling high fuel costs.