A new survey conducted by Ruder Finn Insights reveals that despite lower fuel prices and outdated perceptions of hybrids, two-thirds of the 500 Americans surveyed said they were likely to purchase a hybrid vehicle within the next three years.
However, the survey also found that perceptions still exist that gas-only cars are less expensive, more luxurious, are more practical for long-distance driving and are easier to maintain.
More than 80 percent of respondents said they would like to sell their gas guzzlers for more fuel-efficient cars, but 87 percent said they cannot afford to do so.
In September, Harris Interactive's AutoTECHCAST study found that 15 percent of U.S. consumers are very or extremely likely to purchase a vehicle that has plug-in hybrid technology, not taking into account estimated market prices.