The most recent wave of the Harris Interactive AutoTECHCAST study reports that two-thirds of consumers surveyed are familiar with flexible fuel vehicles (vehicles can run on bio-fuels, including E85 which is comprised of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), and more than one-half are interested in purchasing such a vehicle. Though awareness levels are lower among younger consumers (ages 18 to 34) (59 percent), they are the group most likely to consider purchasing such a vehicle.
These are some of the results from the latest wave of the Harris Interactive AutoTECHCAST, a study conducted bi-annually among adult vehicle owners in the
"While hybrid electric vehicles have received a significant amount of attention and interest over the past few years, recent actions and announcements from some vehicle manufacturers suggests that flexible fuel vehicles may be the viable solution to decreasing the demand for petroleum-based energy," states Bryan Krulikowski, senior director of Harris Interactive's Automotive & Transportation (ATR) Research Practice.
Reasons why consumers may consider flexible fuel vehicles
Among consumers interested in purchasing flexible fuel vehicles, most (88 percent) cite a reduced dependency on petroleum as the leading reason for consideration. To illustrate this point further, Harris Interactive finds that more than half of all those surveyed (53 percent) indicate that they are willing to pay more money for a vehicle that relies less on petroleum-based fuel.
Some confusion as to the actual benefits of flexible fuel vehicles
Consumers indicate they would choose a flexible fuel vehicle because of the improved fuel economy that will be realized (69 percent). However, ethanol-fueled vehicles will likely produce a slight decrease in fuel economy, though vehicle performance will be slightly enhanced given ethanol's higher octane rating.
"Consumers are assuming that a non-petroleum based fuel will result in better fuel economy, but that is not necessarily the case with ethanol," states Krulikowski. "Still, beyond fuel economy, consumers are interested in flexible fuel vehicles for the impact they will have on the environment and that is certainly a benefit that this type of fuel can provide."
About half are interested in flexible fuel vehicles, but what about the rest?
The study shows that about half of consumers are less enthusiastic about the alternative fuel. The vast majority (85 percent) of these adults indicate a limited availability of fueling stations as a key reason for their lack of interest.
Krulikowski adds, "With approximately 800 E85 pumps available nationwide, concerns of availability will have to be addressed before flexible fuel vehicles can have a meaningful impact toward reducing the nation's dependency on petroleum. As legislators and auto manufacturers continue to support increased production of flexible fuels, we should see a rapid increase in the number of fueling stations available. This will likely lead to increased consideration of these types of vehicles by those who are currently hesitant to consider this technology."
