Consumer Reports: Green Car Survey Results

NEW YORK - November 15, 2010: Consumer Reports recently conducted a nationally representative survey of consumers and found that Americans are willing to consider green technologies when buying their next car if the price is justified by the potential fuel savings and cost of ownership.

While consumers consider a number of factors when shopping for a new car, fuel economy was important and expectations are high-some 63 percent of Americans want to get a significant increase in fuel economy from the next vehicle they buy.

However, 94 percent of Americans said the high purchase price was a deterrent for purchasing an environmentally friendly or green vehicle.

Highlights from Consumer Reports story are below along with a link to the full report on ConsumerReports.org, which provides additional insights into consumer attitudes toward environmentally friendly vehicles.

Americans want better fuel efficiency - but don't want to pay extra for it:

* Nearly 80 percent of respondents said they would "strongly support" or "somewhat support" a national goal of reducing oil consumption.

* More than 70 percent said they would support increased government funding for measures aimed at achieving that goal.

* Ninety-Four percent named a high purchase price as a deterrent to choosing an "environmentally friendly or green" vehicle.

* Thinking about their next new car, nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of respondents expect to choose a model with better fuel economy than their current vehicle.

* 82 percent indicated that lower fuel costs are a motivating factor.

* Fifty-nine percent, named a lower purchase price as a reason for choosing a car with better fuel economy.

Interest in electric cars is growing, but practical concerns remain:

* Electric cars are grabbing more attention from car shoppers.

* Thirty-nine percent of car shoppers are considering a hybrid or electric vehicle for their next new-car purchase.

* Of those respondents considering a hybrid or electric vehicle, 60 percent are looking to a regular hybrid.

* 16 percent are drawn to a plug-in hybrid.

* 14 percent are contemplating a full-electric car.

* 94 percent find green cars in general lacking in some way, citing a high purchase price, inadequate energy infrastructure, and limited driving range as chief concerns.

* Men strongly favor plug-in hybrids and electric cars.

* Women see greater appeal in regular hybrids.

Survey: Interest in electric cars is growing, but practical concerns remain Consumer Reports Survey: Interest in electric cars is growing but practical concerns remain.