There are more plug-in cars in Britain than ever.
The number of electric vehicles on British roads has soared in recent months, according to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Its figures, released this week, showed there is now a record 195,410 plug-in vehicles owned by UK drivers, with overall ownership of alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) having increased by almost 30 per cent year-on-year.
In total, more than 620,000 hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric cars are now in use – and the average new or updated car model emits 8.3 per cent less carbon dioxide than the model it replaced.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said that thanks to manufacturer investment in breakthroughs like advanced powertrains and improved aerodynamics, drivers are seeing the benefits of environmentally-friendly cars and considering them for purchase.
However, he added: "We need a world-class package of incentives and infrastructure to give motorists the confidence to buy the latest, cleanest cars, whatever the fuel type, in the greater numbers we need to meet environmental challenges."
The figures also showed black has become the most popular choice of car colour in Britain, knocking silver off the top spot and making up 20 per cent of vehicles on the roads.