Wessex Garages have celebrated a ‘fantastic’ rise in electric car sales as customers turn over a new leaf in their approach to zero-emissions transport.

The dealership, with outlets across South Wales and the South West, saw sales of the Nissan Leaf soar by 49.25% during 2015 as a national trend saw 67 find new owners with its customers.

Dale Richardson, Nissan operations director at Wessex Garages, said: “The sales last year of the Leaf are the best we have ever had and this is fantastic news. Our results also reflect what was seen nationally.

“Figures released this month by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show the demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles is soaring.

“The data shows the demand for electric vehicles rose by 48% last year to nearly 10,000 vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 133% to more than 18,000 vehicles.

“We are delighted to see people investing in Nissan’s 100% electric car. The public seem to be more aware of the benefits of switching to an electric vehicle such as the low running costs and environmental aspects. The practicality of the Leaf is really drawing people to make the purchase.”

The Nissan Leaf was launched in 2010 and has this month hit 200,000 sales making it the world’s most popular and successful electric vehicle to date.

In 2015 the number of new cars eligible for the government Plug-in Car Grant scheme rose from 14,532 to 28,188, an increase of 94%.

The Government has announced that from February 16, 2016 the Plug-In Car Grant for category 1 vehicles – pure EV – will be set at £4,500, and for category 2 and 3 vehicles – plug-in hybrid EVs – at £2,500. The Plug-In Car Grant is currently £5,000 for all categories.

Richardson added: “We are sure the Government’s continued Plug-In Car Grant will help to encourage more people to purchase pure EV vehicles.”