Research shows consumers uninformed, wary of new vehicle technology

In the dark: More than three quarters of those surveyed are not sure how far a plug-in hybrid car can drive on a single charge.

DETROIT: Automakers investing billions in plug-in cars and self-driving vehicle systems are getting caution signals from new research that suggests many mainstream consumers don’t know what benefits they would get.

A Harris poll of 1,052 U.S. residents found that 67% didn’t know anyone who owned an electric car, a plug-in hybrid or a hybrid. The research by Harris, to be released Thursday, was commissioned by Ford Motor Co. The Dearborn, Mich. automaker is investing US$4.5bil (RM18.2bil) over the next several years to expand its lineup of plug-in hybrid, all-electric and hybrid models.