Three new car brands have joined the campaign to boost awareness of the benefits of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs).

Audi, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen have pledged their support for the government’s Go Ultra Low campaign, which is increasing the take-up of ‘plug-in’ cars and vans. Go Ultra Low is a one-stop shop for anyone seeking further information on the types of vehicles available and government grants. The three new firms join existing members BMW, Nissan, Renault and Toyota.

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.”

Hetal Shah, spokesperson for Go Ultra Low, said: “More UK car-buyers are realising the advantages of owning an ultra-low emission vehicle, and the aim of the newly-expanded Go Ultra Low consortium is to share the multiple benefits with a wider audience. We’ve discovered that once people learn more about the benefits of these cars and vans, they’re keen to take action – and once they’ve tried them, they’re hooked.”

The Go Ultra Low manufacturers together offer a range of 15 ULEVs, with full details of costs and performance of each available on the website, together with an online tool help people decide which car suits them best.

The government offers to pay £5,000 towards the purchase of every ULEV car and £8,000 towards the purchase of a van. More than 25,000 grant claims have now been submitted to government since the scheme began in 2010.