Eight in ten (80%) Canadians ‘agree’ (33% strongly/48% somewhat) that ‘electric cars are the way of the future’, according to a new Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of Hyundai.
Just two in ten (20%) ‘disagree’ (3% strongly/17% somewhat) that they’re the way of the future. In fact, three quarters (75%) of Canadians ‘agree’ (32% strongly/44% somewhat) that they would ‘like to have a car that is not powered by traditional gasoline’, while only one in four (25%) ‘disagree’ (7% strongly/18% somewhat) that they would like to drive such a car.
The reticence of some towards electric cars could be driven by the fact that a majority (71%) ‘agrees’ (25% strongly/46% somewhat) that ‘constantly having to charge electric cars is a pain’ (29% disagree – 7% strongly/22% somewhat). While most (90%) can ‘agree’ (45% strongly/45% somewhat) that ‘cars that operate on an alternate source of fuel rather than traditional gasoline are great for the environment’ and that they’re ‘innovative’ (89% agree – 38% strongly/51% somewhat), two in three (67%) also ‘agree’ (20% strongly/47% somewhat) that they would ‘like to own an eco-friendly car but electric-powered cars are too much hassle’. One in three (33%) ‘disagrees’ (8% strongly/25% somewhat) that electric-powered cars are too much hassle.
Hydrogen fuel-cell technology may be able to address many of the hesitations that Canadians have about electric cars. Fuel cell technology is a type of power source for electric cars designed specifically to run on hydrogen. The reaction of hydrogen and air in the fuel cell generates electricity and water, and the electricity powers the car battery and motor. The only emission or byproduct created is pure water.
Given this description, just one in four (24%) say they’re ‘familiar’ (3% very/22% somewhat) with hydrogen fuel cell technology, while most (76%) are not (43% not very/32% not at all familiar – never heard of it). Those living in Ontario (31%) are most aware, followed by those living in BC (25%), Alberta (20%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (20%), Atlantic Canada (20%), and Quebec (17%).
Given this information:
– Nine in ten (89%) ‘agree’ (38% strongly/52% somewhat) that ‘it has a positive impact on the environment’, while one in ten (11%) ‘disagrees’ (2% strongly/9% somewhat).
– Most (86%) ‘agree’ (38% strongly/47% somewhat) that ‘zero emissions vehicles are key to Canada reducing its carbon emissions’, while 14% ‘disagree’ (3% strongly/11% somewhat).
– Eight in ten (80%) ‘agree’ (30% strongly/50% somewhat) that they ‘would like the government to provide more support for hydrogen fuel cell technology’, while just two in ten (20%) ‘disagree’ (4% strongly/16% somewhat).
– Eight in ten (77%) ‘agree’ (23% strongly/54% somewhat) that ‘hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles are the way of the future’, while 23% ‘disagree’ (3% strongly/19% somewhat).
– Six in ten (58%) ‘agree’ (10% strongly/47% somewhat) that ‘it can’t stand up to Canada’s cold weather’, while four in ten (42%) ‘disagree’ (6% strongly/36% somewhat).
– Three in ten (27%) ‘agree’ (4% strongly/23% somewhat) that the ‘technology is dangerous’, while seven in ten (73%) ‘disagree’ (19% strongly/55% somewhat) that it is.
In short, two in three (64%) Canadians ‘agree’ (17% strongly/47% somewhat) that they would ‘consider buying or leasing a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle if it was available in their area’, while one in three (36%) ‘disagree’ (9% strongly/27% somewhat) and would not consider driving such a vehicle. Respondents were presented with a list of facts about hydrogen fuel cell technology, and were asked the degree to which they considered each to be a benefit of the technology.
[source: Ipsos]
