Forty-four percent (44%) of Americans believe that, in ten years, most new cars sold will be hybrid vehicles using both a traditional motor and an electric engine. The latest Rasmussen Reports survey finds that 35% believe traditional cars will still top the sales charts in a decade.

Hybrid vehicles have been promoted as a way to improve gas mileage and protect the environment.

Thirteen percent (13%) of Americans say it is very likely that their next car purchased will be a hybrid vehicle. Most, 57%, say purchasing a hybrid vehicle for their next car is not very likely or not at all likely.

Upper income Americans are far more likely than those with lower incomes to say they might buy a hybrid vehicle. Upper income Americans are also far more likely to believe that, in a decade, most new car sales will be hybrid vehicles.

Sixty-four percent (64%) of Americans have followed news stories about hybrid cars somewhat or very closely. Interest in the coverage varies little by demographics. Women and men, young and old, white and non-white, investor and non-investor all report similar levels of following the hybrid car news. This is one aspect of the survey where upper and lower income Americans offered similar responses.

The recent gas price hikes have renewed interest in finding new ways to power vehicles. Forty-eight percent (48%) of Americans say that the gas price hikes have had a big impact on their personal budget and lifestyle. Another 31% say the price hikes have had some impact.

However, there is little correlation between the impact of rising gas prices and interest in hybrid vehicles. Among those who earn less than $20,000 a year, 66% say the rising price of gas has had a big impact on their lifestyle. But, only 9% say that they are very likely to buy a hybrid vehicle.

At the other end of the income spectrum—those who earn $100,000 or more, just 20% say that rising gas prices have had a big impact. But, 16% say they are very likely to buy a hybrid vehicle.

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