Consumers less interested in clean vehicles as gas prices drop

Survey shows that consumers are less interested in alternative fuel as gas prices become lower

The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) has released a new survey that suggests that consumers become less interested in clean vehicles as gas prices go down. Typically, the fact that clean vehicles do not consume gasoline is a major selling point. Because these vehicles use alternative fuels, including electricity, their drivers do not have to pay for gas, thereby avoiding high gas prices. As gas becomes less expensive, however, interest in alternatives fuels also declines because it becomes less of a necessity.

80% of those interested in clean transportation have their purchasing decisions affected by gas prices

According to the survey, some 80% of consumers that have considered purchasing clean vehicles are planning to do so to save money on fuel. The survey shows that for every 10 cent drop in gas prices, there is a 1% drop in the number of consumers willing to purchase a clean vehicle. These vehicles no longer become appealing because their primary selling point is no longer interesting to consumers. When consumers no longer have to try to save money when buying gas, they have little need for alternative fuel vehicles.

22% of consumers are interested in buying fuel cell vehicles

The survey shows that hybrid vehicles are the most popular among consumers considering purchasing clean vehicles. Full electrics are also popular, but to a lesser degree. Approximately 22% of those interested in clean transportation said that they would be willing to purchase a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Fuel cell vehicles, in particular, have the potential to compete with their conventional counterparts, but they do not have the necessary infrastructure support to do so.

Auto industry pushes ahead with plans for clean transportation

The auto industry is well accustomed to changes in any given market, whether they be fuel related or otherwise. Automakers do not have plans to stop producing electric vehicles in order to take advantage or avoid the implications of modern trends. In the case of fuel cell vehicles, many automakers plan to release their new cars in 2015, whether a comprehensive fuel infrastructure is prepared or not.