2012 to test EV viability

A new survey from Pike Research has found that over the past two years, consumer interest in purchasing plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) has declined, even though public awareness continues to rise. The survey shows that consumer interest is currently at 40 percent, down from 48 percent in 2009.

Price is the biggest barrier to consumer interest in EVs and 2012 will prove to be a test bed for the commercial viability of EVs, according to Pike.

"Price is the most significant barrier to consumer interest in electric vehicles," said Pike Research Director John Gartner.  "About two-thirds of our survey respondents who stated they would not be interested in purchasing a PEV said that they felt such a vehicle would be too expensive.  Others said that they would want to wait a few years until the technology is more proven, and almost half said that a PEV would not have sufficient driving range for their needs.  These are all key issues, both real and perceived, that automakers will need to address if PEVs are to move successfully out of the early adopter phase."

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