What people want in an alternative fuel vehicle
In late-2007, CaFCP worked with respected survey firm TNS Automotive to ask 605 California licensed drivers about factors that are important when they consider an alternative fuel vehicle. The survey included hydrogen fuel cell vehicles along with biodiesel, E85, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles.
Top speed:
No matter their daily driving habits, most people (69%) expect an AFV to drive at freeway speeds (75-80 mph). 16% want above freeway speed. 13% expect highway speed (55-70 mph) and only 2% will be satisfied with neighborhood speed (less than 45 mph).
Range:
According to the Department of Transportation’s 2001 National Household Travel Survey, most people travel less than 40 miles a day. When asked about satisfactory range before refueling or recharged, only 5% said that range of less than 50 miles is acceptable. Most (46%) expect at least 300-mile range or 200-mile range (31%). 100-mile range was acceptable to 17%.
Vehicle size:
Although people are concerned about fuel use and cost, a majority still want a bigger vehicle. 51% answered that they want a midsize alternative fuel car, 34% want an AF pick-up, van or SUV. 10% want a luxury vehicle. Sports cars, compacts and minis accounted for 6% combined.
Other characteristics:
Californian’s choose their vehicles for a variety of features. When asked to choose the single most-important feature other than range, speed and size, half the respondents named fuel efficiency. 22% cited safety, 17% want space for cargo and passengers. The two least important features are style (4%) and towing capacity (2%).
Environmental benefit:
Most people interested in AFVs are aware of their environmental benefits. Three were named as most important, but all were very close in the polling. 39% want zero tailpipe emissions, 24% want to reduce smog and 23% want to reduce greenhouse gasA gas in Earth's atmosphere that traps heat and can contribute to global warming. Carbon dioxide and methane are two GHGs. emissions.
