Despite skyrocketing gas prices over the past year, just 37% of Americans say they are more likely now to buy an energy-efficient hybrid car than they were 12 months ago. Over half (52%) say they are not more likely to buy one.

While slightly more (42%) say they are at least somewhat likely to buy a hybrid car in the next five years, just one out of three (33%) say they would do it because it’s good for the environment, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

Forty-five percent (45%) say high gas prices would drive their decision to make such a purchase.

One-quarter (25%) say they are not at all likely in the next five years to buy a hybrid, which uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. Another 31% say buying one is not very likely for them.

Only four percent (4%) say they currently own or drive a hybrid. Those under age 30 are the most likely owners or drivers.

In the summer of 2006, 44% of Americans believed that, by 2016, most new cars sold would be hybrid vehicles.

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Both presidential candidates are promoting hybrid technology. Republican candidate John McCain has proposed a $5,000 tax credit for the purchase of zero carbon emission cars and a $300 million award for the invention of improved batteries for hybrids. Democrat Barack Obama, who wants to put one million plug-in hybrid cars on the road by 2015, has proposed a $7,000 tax credit for those who purchase them.

As one of the few positive by-products of the ongoing financial situation, prices at the pump have fallen dramatically in the past month.

Forty-two percent (42%) say high gas prices have had a big impact on their personal lifestyle, with 34% more saying they have had some impact. Just four percent (4%) say the rise in prices has had no impact on their lifestyle.

In a survey in August, voters said hybrid cars and nuclear power plants are more likely than solar or wind power to significantly reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.

While higher gas prices are clearly a motivating factor for buying a hybrid vehicle, just 16% of those earning under $20,000 a year say they are more likely to buy such a car now than a year ago, compared to 50% of those earning over $100,000 annually.

Fifty six percent (56%) of women under 40 also they are more likely to buy a hybrid now.

Forty percent (40%) of investors say they are more likely to make such a purchase now compared to a year ago, although 51% say they are not.

Women are evenly divided over whether they would buy such a car because of high gas prices or because it’s good for the environment. Men by 23 points say high gas prices would be the primary reason.

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