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Most U.S. Consumers Want to Buy an Electric Vehicle

  • Apr 26, 2011

Plug-in electric vehicles may just be entering the market, but most U.S. consumers are ready to buy them. E Source recently analyzed data from the Nielsen Energy Survey and found that 85 percent of U.S. consumers say they would purchase a battery-driven car either right away (3 percent), when their current car needed replacement (57 percent), or when the technology is proven and it becomes more mainstream (25 percent). The caveat is that consumers strongly prefer (58 percent) plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) versions such as the Chevrolet Volt. PHEVs have greater range than electric-only cars like the Nissan Leaf and only 8 percent of consumers prefer them. "We are seeing a substantial willingness for drivers to move to plug-in electric vehicles, but only if the manufacturers can provide the easy extended range of travel that Americans are used to," says Bill LeBlanc, senior advisor at E Source.

E Source also reports that younger drivers are more willing than older drivers to purchase the electric-only cars, and people who describe themselves as liberals are similarly more inclined to desire the all-electric cars than those classified as conservatives. "We see that all ages and all political mindsets like the plug-in hybrid vehicles equally," LeBlanc said. "But when it comes to the all-electric car, it appears to be seen as more of a 'green' purchase, rather than as a practical upgrade to a more-efficient vehicle."

Another factor that E Source looked at was how far people drive each day and how that affects their desire for a plug-in electric vehicle. Daily driving habits don't seem to affect desire for the all-electric vehicle; however, desire for the PHEV grows as people spend more time in their cars. "Overall, the survey supports the existence of a huge untapped market for electric vehicles that can be charged at night at home. People seem very ready to move to the next generation of cars and dramatically decrease the frequency of their visits to the gas station," LeBlanc said.

Comments

Fri, Jun 3, 2011 Honolulu

PHEVs are a no brainer for most locations throughout the US. How can you make a case against getting 100 mpg or more in your vehicle? Add a PV system to your house, and the 3 kWh of electricity it will take to recharge the new plug-in Prius each night will be available for you for next to nothing. Run the numbers on the cost for the car and the system and you'll have a difficult time not convincing yourself to get both.

Wed, May 25, 2011 Bill

Steve, How will those batteries in the electric cars handle the cold weather where you are. You'll be charging twice as much as people in the southern states. Also, once there is a big number of consumers owning these electric cars the price of electricity is going to go up dramatically just like gas.

Fri, May 20, 2011 Steve Minnesota

The fact of the matter is, the majority of most people's driving is driving themselves to work, the same relatively short distance every day. You don't need a dually diesel truck or a car that will carry the kids, the dog, and tow the boat to do that. That's why the electrics are going to become more and more popular.

Thu, May 19, 2011 Tom Central Florida

"Most U.S. Consumers Want to Buy an Electric Vehicle", your kidding right. Look at the size of these vehicles, would you like to get into an accident in one of these? I have a dually diesel truck that has mass around me and my family. Will the electric engine and batteries last as long as drive train, I doubt it? Do the math on battery replacement and you will find it is not a good idea.

Wed, May 18, 2011 VK Iowa

This survey is laughable. The current version of the elec. car is unworkable for me or most anybody I know. And by subsidizing this infant technology, the govt has assured market pressures won't accelerate its development.

Wed, May 18, 2011

Most U.S. Consumers Want to Buy an Electric Vehicle??? Not I or any of my friends. Do you have any sense of reality? We need to get back to the basics and address the issues of the times from science and facts. I can only hope the American people realize you are not intouch with reality and speak from a euphoric movement which is soon to end.

Mon, May 16, 2011 Chris NC

Let's see now, I've got an older "Fat Ride" that has at least 100 to 150 thousand miles left in it, I average about $60 per month in fuel, maintenance over the balance of the life of the car will not likely equal the battery replacement cost for an electric, so fuel cost is about the only comparison, other than comfort and safety. So the question is can I get one of the electrics for $60 per month? Smart Car? I've already got it. Green? I'm saving it. Liberal/Conservative? How about intelligent?

Fri, May 13, 2011 Bill Suncook NH

Plug-in vehicles do seem like a good idea but what about the cons of them. How well will they run in the cold New England weather?(meaning how long will the battery stay charged) Do they have the capability to tow the camper or boat? Will there be plug-in cars for the big family? Also I'm sure once they start selling alot of these cars that the price of electricity will sky-rocket just like the gas prices are doing right now. The consumer just can't win. So why bother.

Mon, May 9, 2011 Michigan Mark Michigan

Hello: Americans and Canadians want a vehicle that can haul my kids, the dog, the boat, etc. So far we are only able to technologically produce a vehicle that is a car that can't perform the functions we want. Hence the reason why most people buy an SUV, mini-van, pickup, etc. My personal opinion is that we should be backing the diesel option since this is the best engine type suitable for development for the vehicles Canadians and Americans want to drive. We all want cheaper to drive vehicles, it is a matter of how practical it is to get to this end point.

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