Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are one of the most reliable solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring increased fuel efficiency. It can offer higher driving ranges without restricting the battery capacity. But in order to avail of these benefits, a larger number of people need to adapt to this technology. 

If you look at the global market, several environmental and political debates are going on regarding climate change and the use, sources, and use of energy. At present, transportation is responsible for one-third of the greenhouse gas emission within the United States. The plug-in-hybrid electric vehicles ensure several benefits to the consumers and the environment as well. Once the transportation industry gets powered by the electric grid, it is possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a considerable level. However, the estimated use of these resources depends upon regional power generation capabilities. The smart grid technologies are expected to increase the grid efficiency while fulfilling the peak demands. Furthermore, the utilization of these new technologies also depends on a shift in the sources of power generation from traditional biomass fuels to cleaner solutions such as renewable energy and natural gas. The modern-age vehicle to grid technologies are further capable enough to serve peak demands while ensuring positive demands regarding grid efficiency.

Considering the consumer perspective, PHEV ensures larger savings in terms of fuel costs without limiting the range of electric vehicles. But consumers in different regions are not much aware of these benefits; therefore, they are not able to make decisions regarding investing in these new-age vehicles. 

A survey conducted by experts in the year 2008 reveals that almost 69% of the consumers in the United States have almost negligible familiarity with plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology. Although the awareness is now growing on a global level; many countries are still facing challenges in terms of powerful batteries and recharging points. Wide-spread adoption of the technology has become a challenge for low and middle-income countries. 

Experts reveal that there is a strong need of understanding market conditions for introducing electric vehicles. The researchers and policymakers need to do an in-depth analysis of energy prices, incentives, potential policies, and other aspects affecting the choice of the consumers. It is also important to develop cross-correlation between various demographic variables that could promote early adoption of the technology. Other than this, the research groups need to collect data from crowd-sourcing platforms to understand consumer interests. It may help them to find solid differences between the mindset of people who are willing to buy electric vehicles and those who are not ready to consider the potential of this technology. 

The main goals of consumer survey regarding the use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles must be: i) identifying customer interests regarding electric vehicle technology, ii) identifying factors that influence consumer’s mindset to consider the new technology, iii) assessing investment possibilities of the consumers for the electric vehicles in comparison to the cost-saving on fuel consumption, iv) analysis on distribution and correlations between buyer’s attitude and demographics. Moreover, the survey must provide a clear analysis of the trade-off between long-term and short-term financial concerns. 

While conducting a survey on consumer decisions regarding plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the analysis focuses on six important factors: participant demographics, purchase decisions, vehicle acquisition, environment, and energy, discounting questions, and PHEV technology. In order to ensure accuracy in the survey, the researchers also need to follow trustworthy statistical methods. Even if the population sizes are small based on the demographics, it is important to choose fairly representative samples. 

Considering the stats obtained from the survey conducted in the year 2010 on census population, the participants identified several factors influencing their vehicle purchase decisions including income levels, driving distances, education levels, age groups, and left-leaning politics. However, the preferences of consumers in the present day have changed by a considerable level. People these days are more concerned about vehicle characteristics such as performance, MPG, price, and vehicle class. Furthermore, the advertising influences and social factors also play important role in their purchase decisions. Therefore, the purchase frequency of hybrid cars may also depend on all these aspects. The individuals who responded to the recent survey also considered comfort as the main parameter behind their decision to buy a new vehicle.