In 2012, purchase incentives for plug-in electric vehicles continue to be available, including the Plug-in Car Grant, which is worth up to £5,000 on selected models.

The coming year also promises a second electric revolution with the launch of the first two plug-in hybrids, which join the pure electric models launched in 2011.

However, not all the focus will be on electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as new ‘conventional’ hybrid models will also make their way to the showrooms. While petrol hybrids have been available for over a decade (including the iconic Toyota Prius), 2012 will see the first diesel hybrids come to market offering even better fuel economy than existing petrol hybrid models.

As noted by Dr Ben Lane, managing editor of Next Green Car: "Not only are high quality fully electric models now available in the UK, more drivers will find their motoring needs met by a hybrid, or by a plug-in hybrid which offers the ultimate combination of conventional and electric drive-trains. The good news is that all these options offer a new and improved driving experience, and can reduce running costs as well as emissions."

To mark a year which will bring many technologically ground breaking models to the showrooms, the following 'Top 10' list highlights some of the most important models across all vehicle classes due for launch in 2012.

Smart fortwo ed (electric drive) – CO2: 0 g/km, Green Car Rating: 24
Price: tbc
Availability: Spring 2012

Renault Fluence Z.E. – CO2: 0 g/km, Green Car Rating: 26
Price: From £22,850 plus £70 monthly battery lease
Availability: Summer 2012

Vauxhall Ampera RE-EV – CO2: 27 g/km, Green Car Rating: 33
Price: From £28,995 (including £5,000 Plug-In Car Grant)
Available: spring 2012 (can order now)

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid – CO2: 49 g/km (estimate)
Price: From around £30,000 (tbc)
Availability: Summer 2012

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid – CO2: 49 g/km (estimate)
Price: From around £23,000 (including Plug-in Car Grant)
Availability: Summer 2012

Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics – CO2: 85 g/km, Green Car Rating: 26
Price: From £11,095
Availability: Now

Volkswagen Up! BlueMotion – CO2: 97 g/km
Price: From £9,330
Availability: March 2012

Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 – CO2: 99 g/km
Price: Around £25,000
Availability: early 2012

Citroen DS5 HYbrid4 – CO2: 99 g/km
Price: tbc
Availability: First quarter of 2012

BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid – CO2: 149 g/km
Price: From £46,860
Availability: February 2012