Green cars were a big hit for car owners in 2014.

New statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show the number of registered “green” vehicles increased four-fold last year.

Ultra low emission vehicles (ULEV) registered in the UK went from 3,586 in 2013 to 14,498 in 2014.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said: “The year was particularly strong for alternatively-fuelled vehicles as increased choice, coupled with a growing desire for reduced costs and greater efficiency, resulted in a quadrupling of plug-in car registrations over 2013.”

He said: “With a variety of new plug-in models expected in 2015, this area of the market will continue to grow significantly.”

All the top ten bestselling brands in the UK have a ULEV in their model range, reported the SMMT.