7-up for Go Ultra Low

Audi, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen have joined the Government’s Go Ultra Low campaign.

The trio have teamed up with existing members BMW, Nissan, Renault and Toyota to increase awareness of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) among British car buyers.

Between them, the seven Go Ultra Low members boast 15 ULEVs – from family cars and vans, to SUVs and high performance sports cars.

According to figures from the SMMT (the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), ULEV registrations in 2014 grew by more than 300% to 14,518 cars.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: “The public are increasingly seeing the benefits of ultra-low emission vehicles, which have low running costs and are easily chargeable at home or on the street.

“We now have seven manufacturers campaigning to show the wide range of styles and prices available so even more people will see what’s on offer, and the significant government help available.”

And with pure-electric vehicles (EVs) able to travel around 100 miles on a single charge and other plug-in ULEVs (or PHEVs) boasting ranges of up to 700 miles, Go Ultra Low have a point.

As well as tax benefits, the government currently offers up to £5,000 off the price of ULEVs and the cost of driving them is as little as 2p per mile, compared to at least 10p per mile for a typical petrol or diesel car.