The take up of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) has increased by 49% in the last quarter, according to figures from the Department for Transport (DfT).

It was also revealed that registrations of ULEVs have grown by 253% over the past two years.

The DfT said the rise has come following the extension of the plug-in car and van grant scheme, allowing more than 100,000 additional drivers to benefit until at least 2018.

In addition to the grant extension, the Government is spending £600 million in this parliament to support the rise in ULEVs to achieve its aim for almost all cars and vans to be zero-emission by 2050.

John Hayes, roads minister, said: “I am delighted to see more drivers than ever are choosing electric vehicles.

“These statistics show our investment is making a real difference in encouraging people to choose electric and help protect the environment.”

The figures also show the total number of vehicles registered in the quarter was 805,000, a 2% increase on the same quarter last year and are now above 800,000 for the first time since 2003, showing the boost the UK car industry gives the economy.