Hybrid cars are the preferred alternative fuel vehicle according to a new consumer study by the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI).
The study compared consumer preference for four different alternative fuel vehicle types; hybrid (HEVs), electric (EV), natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. While ordinary gasoline vehicles were by a long way still the favourite with consumers, hybrids were found to be the most popular choice alternative choice.
While overall, there was strong interest in all types of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), sadly EVs attracted the least interest, ranked last by 40 per cent of the respondents. According to the institute’s report published today, this is most likely because consumers are still concerned by driving range and recharging times.
To attract customers, AFVs need to be cost effective too, with researchers finding that every $1,000 increase in AFV cost must be compensated by either a $300 savings in driving cost over 12,000 miles; a 17.5 mile increase in vehicle range; or a 7.8-minute decrease in total refueling time (e.g., finding a gas station and refuelling).
Despite the strict cost criteria, one-third of respondents ranked gasoline-fuelled vehicles as their first choice and 20 per cent of respondents ranked gasoline vehicles last, showing that there is strong interest in AFVs.
Report author Dr Hilary Nixon said: “Although no AFV type is overwhelmingly preferred, HEVs seem to have an edge, which probably reflects the fact that a number of popular HEVs have been available for several years.”
Unfortunately for EV fans it seems that consumers remain unconvinced despite their interest in alternative fuel vehicles.
Co-author Dr. Jean-Daniel Saphores added: “The vehicle range trade-off primarily concerns EVs, and it highlights the importance of range for our respondents. The respondents also place a very high value on refuelling convenience, which emphasizes the importance of providing enough refuelling infrastructure to make AFVs a viable transportation option for households.”
Over 800 US households were surveyed as part of the research by the government-backed technology and transport research institute. The full ‘Understanding Household Preferences For Alternative-Fuel Vehicle Technologies’ report available here: link.
