(http://media.il.edmunds-media.com/nissan/leaf/2011/ns/2011_nissan_leaf_actprf_ns_42711_196.jpg) Consumer concerns about cost and performance will limit the growth of electric and hybrid vehicles for the foreseeable future, according to J.D. Power's 2011 U.S. Green Automotive Study.
J.D. Power study predicts EVs and hybrids will account for less than 10 percent of vehicle sales through 2016. The study surveyed 4,000 consumers who expressed concern for the higher overall cost of such cars. The most often cited reason for purchasing an EV or hybrid was to cut fuel expenses, not help the planet.
Source: Insideline.
Hybrid automobile sales aren't expected to increase anytime soon, according to J.D. Power and Associates. Power thinks that a down economy and high buy-in costs may prevent hybrid vehicles from selling well for some time. Basic economics will often trump environmental considerations. J.D. Power doubts hybrid and green car sales will pick up (http://www.cardealexpert.com/news-information/auto-news/jd-power-doubts-hybrid/). Let's hope higher gas prices will make more people flock to hybrids, Plug-in hybrids, and of course the electric car! Most people seem to still be ignorant about the benefits of electric cars; many of these people may simply be citing misconceptions which seem to litter the internet. This however will change with proof of concept when more and more people start to drive electric cars. For now, one of the biggest drawbacks is lack of availability.