Although many drivers may know about some of the benefits that go along with investing in electric cars, few are aware of the many financial incentives that are associated with the vehicles. According to a recent survey conducted by Indiana University, 95 percent of the people living in the 21 largest cities in the U.S. did not know about state or local subsidies, rebates and similar incentives, The Detroit News reported.
Additionally, about 75 percent of those surveyed did not know about the savings involved with fuel and vehicle maintenance that electric and plug-in cars offer.
"It is well established that current mainstream consumer interest in these vehicles is low," said John D. Graham, one of the report's authors, as quoted by The Detroit News. "What should be particularly troubling for plug-in electric vehicle proponents and manufacturers is that the respondents to our survey live in major urban areas, the places for PEVs make the most sense due to daily travel patterns."
With rechargeable cars making up only about 50,000 of the 15.5 million vehicles sold in 2013, there is plenty of room to grow. Before that happens, however, automakers will likely have to work harder to spread the word about their financial incentives and benefits.