Sixteen different car brands joined forces to show the range and diversity of alternatively fuelled vehicles available to consumers this week.

In a display set against the backdrop of London’s Tower Bridge, the UK automotive sector showed the low-emission cars and vans drivers can buy to suit their lifestyles and driving needs.

They include hybrids, all-electric and hydrogen powered vehicles and SUVs, saloons and sports cars from Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Nissan, Renault and Toyota.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), there are currently around 83 different alternatively fuelled vehicles in the UK.

Registrations have grown more than threefold in the last five years and last month recorded their highest ever market share at 4.2%.

According to a YouGov survey commissioned for SMMT, Brits would be more likely to buy an electric car if running costs were low (51%), if there was no tax or it was cheap (46%) and if there were more government incentives to buy (36%).

However, 13% of those looking to buy a new car said it is most likely to be alternatively fuelled.

Transport Minister John Hayes MP said: “Alternatively fuelled vehicles help clean up our environment and save motorists money in day-to-day running costs and I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to have a look at some of the vehicles available to UK drivers.

“We are working with determination to get more people switching to low emission vehicles. Out Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill published this week will make sure the right infrastructure – such as electric charge points and hydrogen refuelling stations – is in place for this growing market.”

Another survey found higher insurance premiums are putting off most drivers (70%) from switching to hybrid or electric vehicles.