AMSTELVEEN, Netherlands, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Most global car executives do not see a reasonably priced electric vehicle being available on the mass market in the next five years, a Dutch survey indicates.
The survey by KPMG, an audit, tax and consulting firm, found that many believe electric cars will not be affordable without government subsidies, the BBC reported this week. Despite that, they say the market for electric cars will be the fastest growing sector in the industry, the survey found.
Carmakers are investing heavily in electric vehicles to reduce carbon footprints, hit emissions targets and satisfy consumers' growing desire for fuel-efficient cars. More than 90 percent of consumers polled as part of the survey cited fuel efficiency as the single most important factor when choosing a new car.
Some carmakers, such as Renault and Nissan, are pinning their hopes on pure electric cars while other like Toyota and General Motors are pursuing hybrid technology that combines both electric and gasoline engines.
The British government has introduced a scheme offering discounts of up to $7,750 for drivers buying certain electric cars. Other governments are also introducing incentives to buy electric vehicles.
