Consumer Views ‘Favorable’ on Alt-Fuel Vehicles, LEED Not So Much

Consumers hold favorable views of alternative-fuel vehicles (see chart) including hybrid vehicles (67 percent), electric cars (61 percent) and natural gas vehicles (56 percent), according to a Navigant Research survey of consumer attitudes and awareness toward 10 environmental and clean-energy concepts.

The survey found LEED certification showed the least level of favorability (22 percent). Navigant Research attributes this to low consumer awareness with LEED. About three-fourths of respondents said they were not familiar with or neutral on this subject.

Navigant Research conducted a survey of more than 1,000 US adults in the fall of 2013, asking respondents to provide their level of favorability on the following energy and environment concepts: solar energy, wind energy, nuclear power, hybrid vehicles, electric cars, natural gas vehicles, biofuels, smart grid, smart meters and LEED certification.

In a free white paper, Navigant Research analyzes the survey responses.

Another Navigant Research Report published last week says the markets for natural gas trucks and buses are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.6 percent and 6.4 percent, respectively, between 2013 and 2022. The natural gas vehicle market experienced a growth spurt in late 2013 driven by lower fuel costs and environmental benefits over diesel, a trend that is expected to continue next year as new engines and vehicles are introduced, according to the analysis.