PEOPLE WILL TRY THE EV - POLL

Americans Want to Give Electric Vehicles a Test Drive, New CEA Study Reports; Drivers Motivated by Environmental and Cost Benefits, Concerned About Power
August 23, 2010 (Consumer Electronics Association via Business Wire)

"Forty percent of consumers report they are likely to test drive an electric vehicle, according to [Electric Vehicles: The Future of Driving] from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)…[It] suggests electric vehicles entice consumers with improved environmental quality and potential cost savings, but leave them with questions about battery life and convenience of battery charging.

"Consumers are open to considering an electric vehicle in the future…42 percent…are likely to follow news reports about electric vehicles. However, overall awareness of the various types of alternative vehicles remains low. While nearly one-third (32 percent) report they are familiar, or very familiar, with hybrid vehicles, only about one-quarter are familiar with electric-powered vehicles (25 percent)."

Reseach a year ago found less than 1 in 5 show little interest in PHEVs and interest has grown since then. (click to enlarge)

"For the first time, electric vehicles will be featured at the 2011 International CES [in L:as Vegas], showcasing a full range of high- and low- speed vehicles, energy storage devices and charging equipment. This new CES TechZone will feature major automotive companies…

"Those consumers who are open to buying an electric vehicle cite the positive environmental impact and potential cost savings as primary reasons to do so. More than three-quarters of those surveyed (78 percent) said the vehicle’s ability to run without gasoline is the greatest advantage, followed by less pollution (67 percent), and the lack of need for oil changes and tune-ups (60 percent)…"

click thru to Plug-in America to learn about the march of history. (click to enlarge)

"According to the study, consumers perceive several disadvantages about electric vehicles. Concerns about mileage potential before needing to recharge (50 percent) and battery life (34 percent) top the list. Cost of the vehicle, reliability and availability of charging stations are also key concerns…

"The study finds running out of battery power on the road (71 percent), lack of charging stations and/or not being able to recharge (66 percent) and limited mileage (59 percent) are the most common perceived disadvantages with electric vehicles. Home charging stations may also impact purchase decisions. Half of consumers (51 percent) would be less likely to consider purchasing an electric vehicle if they would have to install special [battery] charging equipment…"