CONSUMERS WANT PLUG-IN VEHICLES

48% of Consumers Interested in Purchasing a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, According to New Survey from Pike Research
September 8, 2009 (Business Wire via Reuters)

"Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are one of the most highly anticipated new product categories of recent years. Promising dramatically improved fuel economy over standard internal combustion engines, PHEVs are expected to drive significant benefits in the form of reduced carbon emissions and lesser dependence on foreign oil. According to a new survey from Pike Research, prospective consumer interest in the category is solid, with 48% stating that they would be 'extremely' or 'very' interested in purchasing a PHEV with a 40-mile range on a single charge…"

Preferences (click to enlarge)

"Other key findings of the survey…[85% said] improved fuel efficiency would be an important factor when choosing their next vehicle…[65% of those interested in PHEVs said they would] pay a premium price, over and above the price of a standard gasoline vehicle, with an average premium of 12%…[T]he availability of workplace, private, and public vehicle charging stations in their local area would be very important…[79% would invest] in a fast-charging outlet for their home…"

Obstacles (click to enlarge)

["...Electric Vehicle Consumer Survey] analyzes results
from a web-based survey of 1,041 U.S. consumers…[and] includes a detailed analysis of consumer demand and willingness to pay for PHEVs and their associated vehicle charging infrastructure. Segmentation analysis includes an examination of demand within different demographic and behavioral groups. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm`s website. [The cost of the full report is $2500]…"