Pollution Probe is a Toronto-based environmental organization that focuses on research and education in Canadian issues like clean air, clean water and climate change.
Recently, Pollution Probe has been investigating how Canadians perceive new fuel-saving diesel, electric and hybrid models in today’s new-car marketplace. I recently spoke to Pollution Probe’s Executive Director, Bob Oliver, about his organization’s latest findings on the challenging market for fuel efficiency.
J.P.: Generally speaking, are new shoppers open to the idea of considering a hybrid, electric or diesel vehicle?
B.O.: Approximately one-quarter of consumers that Pollution Probe surveyed are “Early Adopters” who will seriously consider investing in a new and relatively reliable technology, such as a hybrid drivetrain or diesel engine.
However, even early adopters will probably avoid choosing electric vehicles as their primary mobility device, unless further incentives and guarantees are offered.
J.P.: Do customers worry about the long-term reliability and performance of a hybrid or diesel powered vehicle?
B.O.: Reliability doesn’t appear to be a major concern among hybrid or diesel buyers who are often well-informed about vehicle performance. Remember, hybrids have been sold and driven in Canada for more than ten years.
Most consumers don’t demonstrate a basic understanding of how hybrids and diesel vehicles differ from conventional vehicles, though. This knowledge gap appears to be a barrier to more widespread demand for these advanced technology vehicles.
 |
| Mini E (Photo: BMW) |
Recently, Pollution Probe has been investigating how Canadians perceive new fuel-saving diesel, electric and hybrid models in today’s new-car marketplace. I recently spoke to Pollution Probe’s Executive Director, Bob Oliver, about his organization’s latest findings on the challenging market for fuel efficiency.
J.P.: Generally speaking, are new shoppers open to the idea of considering a hybrid, electric or diesel vehicle?
B.O.: Approximately one-quarter of consumers that Pollution Probe surveyed are “Early Adopters” who will seriously consider investing in a new and relatively reliable technology, such as a hybrid drivetrain or diesel engine.
However, even early adopters will probably avoid choosing electric vehicles as their primary mobility device, unless further incentives and guarantees are offered.
J.P.: Do customers worry about the long-term reliability and performance of a hybrid or diesel powered vehicle?
B.O.: Reliability doesn’t appear to be a major concern among hybrid or diesel buyers who are often well-informed about vehicle performance. Remember, hybrids have been sold and driven in Canada for more than ten years.
Most consumers don’t demonstrate a basic understanding of how hybrids and diesel vehicles differ from conventional vehicles, though. This knowledge gap appears to be a barrier to more widespread demand for these advanced technology vehicles.
 |
| 2010 Toyota Prius (Photo: Toyota) |