U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Vehicle Technologies Office

Fact #685: July 25, 2011
Reasons for Buying a Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle

General Motors has been gathering feedback from customers who purchased the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, which is the only plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) on the market today. Through May 2011, about 2,100 Volts have been sold. The top reason cited for purchasing a Volt is to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. A desire to buy American and the vehicle's extended range by using gasoline tied for second. Environmental concerns were fifth on the list of reasons to purchase the vehicle. According to General Motors, current Volt owners drive two-thirds of the time in electric mode, and travel an average of 900 miles before refilling the gasoline tank.

Reasons for Buying a PHEVBar graph showing the percentage of buyers who who would purchase a PHEV for the following reasons: (1) dependence on foreign oil, (2) desire to buy American, (3) extended range using gasoline, (4) owning innovative technology, (5) environmental concerns. Dependence on foreign oil was the biggest reason at 55% and environmental concerns had the least response at 32%. For more detailed information, see supporting information below.

Supporting Information

Reasons for Buying a PHEV Share of Buyers
Dependence on Foreign Oil 55%
Desire to Buy American 39%
Extended Range Using Gasoline 39%
Owning Innovative Technology 36%*
Environmental Concerns 32%

* Estimated. Exact percentage cannot be determined from available information. However, the actual number is between 32% and 39%.
Sources: Crain Communications, Automotive News, June 20, 2011. [Original source: General Motors.] Cristi Landy, Chevrolet Volt Marketing Director

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