Hybrids too expensive for Americans

Four in five US adults believe hybrid cars are too expensive, a new survey published this week has revealed.

The poll by Johnson Controls found that nine in ten Americans would consider a hybrid if they were buying a new car, but only one in five (23%) would be prepared to pay more for a hybrid compared to a standard vehicle.

Furthermore, a third (35%) of Americans would prefer a petrol-only car even if hybrids were the same price.

Reasons cited for not choosing a hybrid included size and engine power (49%), inferior performance (42%), and lack of understanding about hybrid vehicles (47%).

Six in ten (59%) of those polled confessed to not knowing the distinctions between different types of hybrids.

“Despite recognizing the importance of hybrid technology, consumers need costs to come down for the hybrid industry to thrive,” said Kim Metcalf-Kupres, vice president of global sales and marketing at Johnson Controls.

Alex Molinaroli, president of power solutions at Johnson Controls, added: “It’s evident that success in building the [hybrid] industry will depend on making it easier for consumers to buy hybrids.

“We’re doing good things in the United States to stimulate the industry, but in the long run, it will be broad market acceptance and scale that makes it sustainable.”