Green vehicles are growing in popularity with drivers in the East Midlands, according to new figures showing a significant increase in the number of low-emission vehicles.

The Department for Transport figures show that the number of low-emission vehicles in the region rose by 32 per cent in the year to the end of September, while the total number of vehicles increased by just two per cent.

There are now over 13,400 low-emission vehicles registered in the region, compared to 3m vehicles in total.

The quarterly Vehicle Licensing Statistics also show that in Great Britain as a whole, new diesel car registrations during the third quarter of the year declined by 16% compared to the same period in 2018, while new low-emission vehicles registered rose by 39%. In total 1% fewer new vehicles were registered, compared to the same period last year.

Greg Wilson (pictured), founder of leading car insurance comparison website, Quotezone.co.uk, said that while the total number of low-emission vehicles remained relatively low their popularity was growing fast.

“The impressive growth in the number of drivers opting for an ultra-low emission vehicle over a petrol or diesel motor is very welcome news – not only because these vehicles are better for the environment, but also because the growing number of ULEVs on Britain’s roads should gradually help to reduce the cost of insuring these cars.

“Electric cars have historically cost considerably more to insure on average than their petrol and diesel counterparts. One of the reasons for the higher premiums was many electric vehicles were more expensive than an average petrol or diesel car, but an even bigger factor was the lack of data insurers had about electric vehicles due to the relatively small numbers on UK roads.

“With a lack of data about how much electric vehicles would cost to repair in the event of an accident, how much damage they might sustain or inflict on other vehicles, and whether a driver who opts for an electric car is more likely to be a safe driver or a risky driver, insurers were forced to increase their premiums to offset those unquantified risks

“Electric cars offer motorists savings in a range of other areas including on fuel and road tax, but as their numbers begin to grow more quickly we should finally begin to see the cost of insuring them fall as well.”

“Whether you own an electric car, a diesel or a petrol vehicle, it’s vital that you compare quotes from a wide range of providers each time your insurance is due for renewal.”