Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) is one of the most highly anticipated new product categories of recent years. Promising dramatically improved fuel economy over vehicles powered by standard internal combustion engines, PHEVs are expected to deliver significant benefits, including reducing carbon dioxide emissions and lessening our dependence on foreign oil.
While some worry that the added cost of plug-in hybrid technology will stifle demand, a new survey from Pike Research suggests solid prospective consumer interest in the category. The study found that 48% of consumers would be “etremely interested” or “very interested” in purchasing a PHEV with a 40-mile range (65 km) on a single charge.
“Plug-in hybrids match the driving requirements of most consumers we surveyed,” said Clint Wheelock, managing director of Pike Research. “82% of respondents drive 40 miles (65 km) or less per day, with an average daily driving distance of 27 miles (43 km).”
The study also discovered 85% of consumers feel that improved fuel efficiency would be an important factor when choosing their next vehicle. Some 65% of survey respondents interested in PHEVs expressed a willingness to pay a premium price, over and above the price of a standard gasoline vehicle, with an average premium of 12%.
79% of consumers said they would be interested in investing in a fast-charging outlet for their home; however, that willingness to pay is out of line with industry expectations, said the researchers. Finally, consumers indicated that the availability of workplace, private and public vehicle charging stations in their local area would be very important in their decision to purchase a plug-in hybrid.
Source : Driving, by Jack Nerad, September 24th, 2009
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire