Electric Cars

Approximately half of Orange County residents appear ready to embrace the wide array of electric vehicles that will begin to hit the American market over the next 18 months. A majority of residents (51%) would seriously consider purchasing a fully electric car that can travel at least 100 miles without having to be recharged (46% would not).  Nearly two-thirds of Democrats would consider purchasing an all-electric vehicle (65%), while just over one-third of Republicans would do so (35%). About 20% more of those in the lowest income bracket (less than $39,999) support the purchase of an electric car (66%) compared to respondents in higher income brackets (an average of 47%).

Nearly three of five respondents report that they would seriously consider purchasing a hybrid vehicle the next time they purchase a car (59%), while 38% would not and 3% already own a hybrid.

A greater proportion (63%) of respondents earning less than $39,999 per year would seriously consider purchasing a hybrid, while the average proportion in higher income groups is about 57%. The extent to which appreciation for hybrid technology is driven by economy of operation remains to be determined. Again, the proportions of Democrats (71%) and “Decline to state/others” (62%) are significantly higher than the Republicans (48%) who would seriously consider purchasing a hybrid next time they buy a car.