BUYING an electric-powered car could be a smart move according to experts at Black Book hpi, the automotive data and software support firm.

The company says that as sales in the electric vehicle sector continue to surge, analysis shows that savvy motorists could already be making a profit on a vehicle they bought just 12 months ago.

A combination of factors including the rollout of clean air zones, cheaper running costs, increased charging points, incentives to drive and wider availability from manufacturers has helped grow interest in EVs.

A car bought at one year old could be run for 12 months and 10,000 miles and be sold for more money than its purchase price.

It claims that a Peugeot iOn appreciated 8.6 per cent adding £425 to its value. The Vauxhall Ampera's average appreciation is 5.3 per cent or £725 in value and the most popular EV on the market, the Nissan Leaf has an average appreciation of four per cent or £456 on its original value.

Hybrids also represent a savvy purchase with the Toyota Yaris Hybrid appreciating on average 2.6 per cent or £292 and the Lexus GS Hybrid average appreciation of 0.7 per cent or £178 on top of purchase price.

More than 60,000 new alternative fuel vehicles - hybrids and battery powered cars - had hit Britain's roads by the middle of last year and the trend shows no signs of a slowdown.

Chris Plumb, Black Book editor, said: "Sales continue to soar in the EV market as drivers have weighed up the benefits of ownership such as greatly reduced motoring costs and other incentives around driving an alternative to petrol or diesel.

"Our latest analysis shows that drivers who buy the right EV can still make money on a sale after running it for a year and adding 10,000 miles. This will be a major factor in persuading more drivers to go down the EV road.

"EVs and plug-in hybrids provide a good balance between range and efficiency plus the economic benefits for motorists can be enormous, offering big savings on fuel and tax costs as well as much lower maintenance costs."