A record number of alternative fuel vehicles were sold in the U.S. last year, according to the latest figures from automotive research firm R.L. Polk.

Sales of alternative fuel vehicles in the United States, including flex-fuel and hybrid electric, reached 1.8 million last year, about 250,000 more than in 2006.

Dave McCurdy, president and CEO Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, says that gas prices, consumer incentives, and the increasing number of models available continue to play a role in the popularity of alternative fuel vehicles but he is concerned about the need for more stations to offer 85 percent ethanol. “Out of more than 170,000 refueling stations in the U.S. less than 1,500 offer (E85) ethanol,” he said. That actually represents a 100 percent increase in the number of stations since 2006.

Currently there are more than 12 million AFAs registered in the U.S. and automakers are hopeful that this year’s sales may exceed 2 million. Morre than 70 models of AFAs are being offered for sale this year, up from only 11 models in 2001.