Find a car: Electric vehicles more popular now

Jan 24 2011, 04:31 PM

Interest in electric and hybrid models has increased five-fold in the past six months.

The number of motorists looking to find a new car which runs on electricity or is hybrid designed has increased five-fold.

A survey conducted by valuations firm Glass's found that popularity for these types of motors have risen from nine per cent in July 2010 to 53 per cent in December.

Furthermore, the government's Plug-in Car Grant seems to be proving a pivotal point for many motorists when thinking about buying a vehicle such as these.

That is because when people were asked if they would consider purchasing an electric or hybrid car before being made aware of the scheme, just 36 per cent said they would.

However, this jumped to 53 per cent once they gained knowledge of the government's method.

Andy Carroll, managing director at Glass's, commented: "It is … clear that the government's Plug-in Car Grant is making an impact on figures and could be the deciding factor for people already considering buying a plug-in hybrid or battery electric car."

Recently, Neil Wallis, head of communications at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, noted that he believes that popularity for greener vehicles will grow as 2011 progresses.