Consumer Electronics Assn Study Finds 40% of American Adults Likely to Test Drive an EV
23 August 2010
Forty percent of consumers report they are likely to test drive an electric vehicle, according to a new study of online American adults from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The study, Electric Vehicles: The Future of Driving, 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, with 42% reporting they 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%) report they are familiar, or very familiar, with hybrid vehicles, only about one-quarter are familiar with electric-powered vehicles (25%).
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%) said the vehicle’s ability to run without gasoline is the greatest advantage, followed by less pollution (67%), and the lack of need for oil changes and tune-ups (60%).
For a new product category, interest in electric vehicles is strong and likely to grow as more vehicles enter the market and consumers become more aware of them. Manufacturers, dealers and other sellers will need to emphasize mileage and battery-related specifications when promoting and selling electric vehicles.
—Chris Ely, CEA’s manager of industry analysis
According to the study, consumers perceive several disadvantages about electric vehicles. Concerns about mileage potential before needing to recharge (50%) and battery life (34%) top the list. Cost of the vehicle, reliability and availability of charging stations are also key concerns many consumers have.
The study finds running out of battery power on the road (71%), lack of charging stations and/or not being able to recharge (66%) and limited mileage (59%) are the most common perceived disadvantages with electric vehicles. Home charging stations may also impact purchase decisions. Half of consumers (51%) would be less likely to consider purchasing an electric vehicle if they would have to install special charging equipment for the batteries.
Environmental benefits, coupled with potential cost savings in fuel and tune-ups, will lead to increased interest for electric vehicles and potential floor traffic at dealerships. But concerns regarding battery life, charging stations and limited mileage may keep some consumers away until a comprehensive infrastructure is in place.
—Chris Ely
For the first time, electric vehicles will be featured at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), 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, including Audi, in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s North Hall.
Electric Vehicles: The Future of Driving (August 2010) was conducted from 27 May – 3 June 2010. It was designed and formulated by CEA Market Research, the most comprehensive source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends for the consumer electronics industry. The complete report is available free to CEA member companies at members.CE.org. Non-members may purchase the study for $699 exclusively at mycea.CE.org.
Once again, somebody is trying to make money on the ignorance of the majority.
Posted by: HarveyD | 23 August 2010 at 12:49 PM
@shopa
As far as I can tell the only times you've posted on this site have been to promote your "invention."
>> http://profile.typepad.com/shopa
This, by definition, is spam. Please stop. I think it is safe to say that if you haven't gotten any help from us to promote your invention by now(since May of last year) you're not going to.
Posted by: ai_vin | 23 August 2010 at 02:09 PM
He'll be history soon.
I think it's great that so many people are ready to test-drive something that uses no gas. The zeitgeist is changing, and the auto companies need to realize that if they build it, it'll sell.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 23 August 2010 at 07:05 PM
I am not surprised that 40% are willing to try it, many people really do want to help the environment but just don't have the right resources! Ofcourse there are concerns but hopefully this signals that people are looking for greener transport alternatives...to hire cars economically try - http://www.whipcar.com/hire-cars-in-sheffield/
Posted by: Sarah | 24 August 2010 at 03:26 AM
I'm curious about how manufacturers of EVs will deal with the effect of external temperature on batteries. We own a hybrid and notice significant reduction in battery power in both the depth of winter and the peak of summer as evidenced by reduced gas mileage. I'm sure some sort of insulated heating and cooling mechanism could be devised but at what cost to efficiency?
Posted by: Michael Miles | 24 August 2010 at 07:30 AM
Who doesn't want to zip around in an electric vehicle at least once in their heart of hearts? Bumper cars, yay! But seriously, let's face it, these are the engineering challenges which must be creatively met. I also wonder about the vast range of EV scale, from 24V delivery bicycles to commuter buses, and think of the U.S. road infrastructure and how it could accommodate such a range. Would vehicles have to be color-coded to use certain roads (Teslas keep left) and such...?
Posted by: E-Biker | 24 August 2010 at 07:34 AM
Michael, you don't have to be "sure some sort of insulated heating and cooling mechanism could be devised" because you can be positive Battery Thermal Management systems are alreally routinely used in BEVs. HEVs, like you own, generally don't because the focus isn't on the performance of the battery alone.
Posted by: ai_vin | 24 August 2010 at 09:47 AM
edited...
Posted by: Reel$$ | 24 August 2010 at 05:39 PM
Michael, your reduced mileage is likely due to greater air density (more drag) and engine warm-up losses in winter, and air conditioning in summer.
I'm sure a clever person could find a way to put a thermostatically controlled heater on the battery pack to bring it to a reasonable temperature before starting in winter. A block heater for the engine will shift some of warmup energy demand from petroleum to electricity. If you try it, keep notes and publish your results.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 24 August 2010 at 08:15 PM