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The government has announced plans to invest £100m in developing electric and hybrid cars, with the aim of creating up to 10,000 new British jobs.
It is hoped the investment will accelerate the emergence of greener vehicles.
The government has plans to introduce 100 electric cars into UK towns and cities to help motorists become more familiar with the technology.
The UK is committed to cutting all greenhouse gases by 80 per cent by 2050, about 20 per cent of which come from road transport.
Of the UK’s 26 million cars, less than 1 per cent are electric and able to travel up to 40 miles fully charged.
Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon said electric cars and other low carbon vehicles would make a dramatic difference by cutting fuel costs and reducing harmful emissions.
“Their research and manufacture is an emerging industry with the potential to create new jobs and safeguard existing employment in the UK,” said Hoon.
“Therefore exploring how to ensure they are a practical and affordable everyday option makes sense all round. That is what the cross Government package of measures announced will do.”
The UK is committed to cutting all greenhouse gases by 80 per cent by 2050, about 20 per cent of which come from road transport.
Of the UK’s 26 million cars, less than 1 per cent are electric, priced between £9,000-£12,000 and able to travel up to 40 miles fully charged.
But critics argue taxpayer’s money should not be spent ‘subsidising’ powerful global car manufacturers.
The SMMT dismissed such criticism, pointing out carmakers were spending billions on developing green technology.