Motorists G-Wizz themselves towards a greener Britain

With Brits becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, and initiatives aplenty to encourage people to reduce their carbon footprint, moneysupermarket.com reveals motorists are keen to go green with new generation hybrid and electric cars.

Research from the UK's leading price comparison site found more than a third of motorists (39 per cent) would buy a hybrid or an electric model if they had to buy a new car. The research revealed British motorists would prefer a hybrid car: exactly a third of respondents (33 per cent) would opt for it in comparison to the six per cent who would prefer to get behind the wheel of an electric car. However, there is still some way to go to turn Britain's drivers greener as the poll also revealed over a third of motorists (36 per cent) wouldn't consider buying a hybrid or electric car, with 21 per cent admitting to not knowing enough about them.

moneysupermarket.com found insurance for an eco-friendly vehicle is similar in price to a standard petrol car, with an annual premium for a petrol Honda Jazz at £281 with Swiftcover, compared to £285 a year for the electric G-Wizz and £314 a year for the Honda Insight Hybrid - a difference of £4 and £33 respectively. However, eco-friendly Brits can make savings elsewhere as hybrid and electric cars qualify for reduced or even zero road tax.

Steve Sweeney, head of motor insurance at moneysupermarket.com said: "It is encouraging to see so many motorists are conscious of their carbon footprint and are looking for ways to make a difference. Hybrid and electric cars such as the G-Wizz are becoming increasingly popular and many see them as the next generation in motoring, and for those feel in the dark about their benefits I urge them to do their research. Aside from the obvious environmental benefits, they are also incredibly cost effective for the owner. Those driving a car such as the Honda Insight Hybrid would only pay £35 in road tax per year due to its low emissions - this is in comparison to around £120 for standard petrol cars. Similarly, the G-Wizz would not even qualify for road tax as it does not emit any harmful CO2 pollutants."

moneysupermarket.com also found younger generations to be more environmentally savvy; nearly half (44 per cent) of those in their twenties are more likely to go green and purchase a hybrid or electric car. Likewise, Londoners and the South West are revealed as the most ‘green' regions, with 48 and 49 per cent respectively saying they'd opt for the hybrid or electric option.